Dr. Jesse Thompson

DR. JESSE THOMPSON, the son of the late Rev. John C. Thompson and Essie M. Thompson, was born on January 26, 1948 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Jesse was educated in the Orangeburg public schools and graduated from Wilkinson High School. He received the Bachelor of Arts from Benedict College in 1975, the Master of Arts from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1979, and the Doctorate in Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1982. He also attended several other institutions of higher education including Brown University, Harvard Divinity School and Morehouse College. Reverend Thompson was licensed to preach on January 24, 1971 in Orangeburg, and ordained in Fort Worth, Texas. Throughout his life, Jesse was involved in numerous religious and community associations. He was an active member of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, the Baptist World alliance, the United Baptist Missionary Convention of Maryland, the Interracial Ministerial Alliance and the Central Maryland Ecumenical Council. Jesse was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was also active with the Idlewood Community Association, the Morehouse College Alumni Association and a proud Golden Heritage Life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Jesse was a life-long supporter of his Alma Mater, Benedict College. He was past President of the Baltimore Benedict College Alumni Club, former Eastern Region Vice President, and Chaplain of the Benedict College National Alumni Association. Dr. Thompson devoted his efforts to the youth of Pittsburgh as a counselor at the Three Rivers Youth Center. He also taught religious education courses through the Progressive National Baptist Convention and the United Baptist Missionary Convention of Maryland. Jesse relocated from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Baltimore, Maryland where he became Associate Minister of Union Baptist Church in Baltimore and adjunct professor at Coppin State University. Dr. Thompson was employed by the Baltimore City Department of Social Services. At the time of his illness, he was teaching in the public schools of Baltimore City. On August 5, 1995, Jesse was united in marriage with the former Almta Sly. Together, they shared many interests and travels. In addition to his devoted wife, Jesse is survived by two brothers, Samuel (Barbara) Thompson and Joseph (Ruth) Thompson; one sister, Shirley (Harold) Bellinger, all of Orangeburg, South Carolina; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members. His cousin Eartha Lamkin and his friend Dr. Derek Lindsey remained devoted and attentive throughout his illness. In addition, the family was continually encouraged by the Union Baptisy Family, Jesse's fellow Benedict alumni and many friends.

Tributes

Dr. Jesse Thompson

January 26, 1948 - July 20, 2013