Obituary for John Thompson Jr.
Born on August 4, 1943, in Marshall, Texas to the late John Thompson, Sr. and Mary Undeen Cooper-Thompson, John Jr. is a 1961 graduate of Pemberton High School, where he was a member of the track team. He enrolled into Wiley College where he demonstrated excellence in his classes. He graduated in 1966 with a degree in Social Sciences with a minor in History. He later furthered his Education at the University of Missouri at Kansas City earning his master’s degree in educational Administration in 1974. He didn’t stop there. He obtained his Mid-management certification from East Texas State University in 1990.
John married Carolyn Deckard on January 7, 1967 and to that union two daughters were born: Shariyun and Sidra. He loved his wife dearly and together they were an educational duo who impacted so many students.
John taught school in Kansas City, Kansas for four years. He served as a counselor and recruiter for the University of Missouri at Kansas City for seven years. John returned to Marshall where he was employed at Wiley College as Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Student Affairs. John served as President of Marshall Area Wiley Club where he and his wife were very active members. He later served as a principal in Marshall Independent School District for 25 years. John was a rare male figure serving in an administrative capacity during those years. He was a proud versatile man dedicated to serving all students whether it was at the elementary, middle, and high school level. He had the respect of his students and his peers.
John was a faithful member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Steve Miller, where he was Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday school teacher, member of the Male Chorus and Chairman of the Deacon Board. John enjoyed spending time with his family, serving in the church and educating students.
John was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. which he joined in 1979 through the Nu Iota Graduate Chapter in Marshall, Texas. He was a strong and proud member for 43 years. He served on several committees and held positions within the chapter. He always believed that Omega men could and should make a difference in the lives of people. He dedicated himself to being a meaningful leader in every endeavor.
John is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Thompson (Deckard), Marshall, TX: two children: Shariyun Thompson-Brown, Richardson, TX and Sidra Rogers (Brian, husband), Longview, TX; three grandchildren: Jonae’ Thompson, Dallas, TX, McKenzie Brown, Richardson, TX and Jasmine Rogers, Houston, TX; siblings: Carolyn King, Kansas City, MO and Thelma Silmon, Marshall, TX. Brother and Sister in laws, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, many friends, and fraternity brothers.
John married Carolyn Deckard on January 7, 1967 and to that union two daughters were born: Shariyun and Sidra. He loved his wife dearly and together they were an educational duo who impacted so many students.
John taught school in Kansas City, Kansas for four years. He served as a counselor and recruiter for the University of Missouri at Kansas City for seven years. John returned to Marshall where he was employed at Wiley College as Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Student Affairs. John served as President of Marshall Area Wiley Club where he and his wife were very active members. He later served as a principal in Marshall Independent School District for 25 years. John was a rare male figure serving in an administrative capacity during those years. He was a proud versatile man dedicated to serving all students whether it was at the elementary, middle, and high school level. He had the respect of his students and his peers.
John was a faithful member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Steve Miller, where he was Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday school teacher, member of the Male Chorus and Chairman of the Deacon Board. John enjoyed spending time with his family, serving in the church and educating students.
John was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. which he joined in 1979 through the Nu Iota Graduate Chapter in Marshall, Texas. He was a strong and proud member for 43 years. He served on several committees and held positions within the chapter. He always believed that Omega men could and should make a difference in the lives of people. He dedicated himself to being a meaningful leader in every endeavor.
John is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Thompson (Deckard), Marshall, TX: two children: Shariyun Thompson-Brown, Richardson, TX and Sidra Rogers (Brian, husband), Longview, TX; three grandchildren: Jonae’ Thompson, Dallas, TX, McKenzie Brown, Richardson, TX and Jasmine Rogers, Houston, TX; siblings: Carolyn King, Kansas City, MO and Thelma Silmon, Marshall, TX. Brother and Sister in laws, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, many friends, and fraternity brothers.