Virgie L Thompson

I, Virgie Holmes Thompson was born on November 28, 1931. Most people know that I am a twin. My sister's name was Virginia. We were born to Roy & Helen Holmes in Catonsville, Maryland. Our parents had eight other children during their marriage. My sister and I were graduates of Banneker High School in Catonsville, Baltimore County. The Lord blessed me, and I acquired a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Coppin State College, in June 1960 and a Master's of Education Degree in June, 1971 in Special Education from the same institution. Throughout my career as an educator, I instructed and supervised students and adults from pre-kindergarten through the university levels in many capacities. I have been a Head Teacher at the Searchlight Training School for the mentally challenged and The Children's Guild for the emotionally disturbed. I was an instructor at Towson State University as a Demonstration Teacher and also served on the Ad-Hoc Committee of the Lida Lee Tall School. I was the Director of the Walter F. Perkins Day Care Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital for twenty-two years. As the Director I was responsible for setting up the facility, hiring staff, and selecting the curriculum. I retired in 1994. The year of my retirement opened avenues of opportunities and responsibilities. In 1949 Virginia and I met Evangelist Melba DeSilva who visited various churches in Baltimore. During our early years we attended the Full Gospel Tabernacle where Rev. William and Lyndia Adams were pastors. The church was located on Winters Lane and Edmondson Ave. Our parents were faithful members of that church. Occasionally, my sister and I visited the Church of God with Evangelist DeSilva located on Lanvale Street where Pastor Katherine Thompson and her husband lived. We attended this church often. After a few years being a member, the decision was to reside with the Thompsons. The name was added to Holmes. While living in West Baltimore a young lad by the name of Franklin "Neil" Showell would visit the Lanvale area with his grandfather, Elder Lucious Davis, selling fish, fruits, and vegetables. This was my first-time meeting Bishop, who at that time was in his early teens. One never knows what's in the future. Today that young lad has become my Bishop. As time went by Evangelist DeSilva, my sister and I visited the First Apostolic Faith Church. At that time Bishop Winfield A. Showell was pastor. A few years later in the 60's we became members. The services were held in the old building, during that time. The rest is history. My membership at First Apostolic Faith Church has brought about many experiences. Each experience in which I was engaged helped to facilitate my growth in Christ and my relationship with the children of God. I truly have been blessed to be a member of this wonderful, Bible believing, soul saving station and legendary church for more than sixty-five years. I have enjoyed being a member of the Memorial Fund and Services Award Committee under leadership of Bro. Matthew Robinson, a member of The Echoneers Choir, a member of the Apostolic Legacy Scholarship Committee. I also served as registra and treasurer for Dominion Christian College under the leadership of Dr. Harold Hart for twenty-three years. I have been a faithful Sunday School scholar. I often came to class having thoroughly researched the lesson and provided handouts to the class. Even though I was not officially a missionary, I did the work of the missionary. I enjoyed visiting the saints in hospitals and nursing homes. I frequently called to check on the saints or sent cards with monetary gifts. At over 90 years of age, I am still a member of First Apostolic and will remain faithful until the Master says, "Well Done!' Sister Virgi transitioned on December 28, 2023, to receive her reward for a life well lived in service to her church and community. She leaves to cherish her memory and to celebrate her legacy over fifty nieces and nephews, her goddaughter; Cheryl Bridgeforth, and her church family and friends.

Tributes

Virgie L Thompson

November 28, 1931 - December 28, 2023