Obituary of Jean Louise Thompson

Jean Louise Thompson was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this physical realm unexpectedly on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at the age of 73. Jean was born the second child and only daughter to Walter Harris and Pauline Sanders on July 30, 1947. She cared for her younger brothers who always shared fond, yet comical memories of Jean chasing them to do chores around the house while Mama was at work or forcing them eat her infamous hard sugar biscuits. Jean proudly wore her "only sister" badge and her brothers were always available to help when she needed it. Growing up in Cherry Hill, she attended Baltimore City Public Schools and she forged lifetime friendships with girls in the neighborhood-- Peggy, Sandra, and Jean Alice. Peggy later became Jean's sister-in-law as Jean married Peggy's brother James Thomas Johnson. From that union they had two children—Letitia and James. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in divorce and Jean accepted the challenge of being a single parent. Jean later met and married William Thompson and their union has lasted over 45 years. In the early 70's, Jean heeded the call of Mayor Thomas D'Alesandro to go get in line for a City job. Jean was hired as a health aide at Southern High School. It was in this role that she discovered her passion—medical records. Jean saw an opening with the Maryland Rehabilitation Center and applied. She was hired and worked there faithfully and ran Center Records like a tight ship for over 30 years. Jean would later enroll in the Medical Records Program at the Community College of Baltimore and received her Associates Degree. She later sat for the certification exam and passed to become an Accredited Health Records Professional. She enjoyed her AHIMA membership where she mentored other Health Records Professionals. Jean retired from the state of Maryland and spent her retirement caring for her ailing mother until she passed in 2017. Jean accepted Christ as her personal savior and loved spending time in worship. She was a faithful member of Waters AME Church where she served as missionary, an usher under Mrs. Jennie Jackson and a member of the Stewardess Board under the direction of Mrs. Dees. Jean also served as chair of the Women's Day Committee at Waters. Jean later joined the Ark Church as she desired to attend a church within walking distance of her home. There, she grew and thrived even more spiritually and participated faithfully as a Missionary. She was loved by her church family and there was no doubt she loved them too. Jean loved baking and creating delicious treats like the snowball cake for her family during cookouts and her infamous Nutty Good Cake she would make for her "sister" Marsha. She was an avid reader and immensely enjoyed bible study. Jean always had kind word, a beautiful smile, and a warm hug to share to uplift others. All of those who were impacted by Jean knew that she loved sending cards. Some people have said that Jean could find and send the most beautiful cards. Jean will be missed by all of those who loved her dearly. She leaves so many people to cherish her memory: Her husband, William Thompson, daughter Letitia Johnson, her grandsons, Winston Wilson and James (Jimmy) Johnson. Her brothers Alvin Johnson (Joyce), Ronald Sanders, Anthony Sanders and her "sister" Marsha Knox will always remember the love she had for them. Others cherishing her memory and love are former sister-in-laws—Sharon, Jean and Amy. Her good girlfriends--Vivian Grayton, Florine Whirley, Mary Franks (Jerome), Lula Gutherie and Betsy Simms and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A celebration of her life will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 6, 2021, in Vaughn Greene Funeral Services - East chapel. The wake will begin at 10:00 AM. The burial will take place in Lorraine Memorial Park on Monday, February 8, 2021.