Lelia E. Freeman Thompson, 77, of Little Rock, transitioned on January 20, 2019, with her granddaughter by her side. She was born August 31, 1941 to the late Alma Johnson Freeman and Harry Freeman. She was raised in Little Rock and graduated from Nelson High School and attended Philander Smith College. She was a nurse for many years and retired from Veterans Administration after 20 years of service. Mrs. Thompson was a member of St. John Baptist Church for over 60 years and served in many ministries.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, Rev. Kenneth C. Thompson. She is survived by her four children: Alma (Roy) Willett, Bobby (Charlotte) Lockhart, Cynthia (Clarence) Jones, and Dana Broadway; 10 grandchildren, Roylette, Maria, Wayne, Terrell, Taylor, Tyler, Raevan, Wesley, Devon and Ariel; one great-granddaughter, Cayla; two sisters, Janet Wilson and Versa Pitts; Godmother, Shirley Jones; Godson, Steven Briggs; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Family visitation will be held Friday, January 25 at 6 p.m. and Celebration of Life will be Saturday, January 26 at 11 a.m., both held at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 2501 South Main Street, Little Rock, Ark. Arrangements under the direction of Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305.