We mourn the Life and Celebrate the Legacy of Mrs. Ernestine Douglas Thompson.

Mrs. Ernestine Thompson's Obituary

Mrs. Ernestine Thompson was born on February 25, 1937, in Natchez, Louisiana to the parents of Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Gattie Douglas. She confessed Christ at an early age at Morning Star Baptist Church in Natchez, Louisiana under the leadership of Rev. John Gains. Mrs. Ernestine Thompson graduated from Central High School in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and later moved to Shreveport, Louisiana where she married the late Mr. Herie Thompson. From their union, four children were born.

She was a faithful member of the Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church for over 40 years, where she dutifully served in the following capacities: Hospitality Chairman for at least a decade, a member of the Pastor's Anniversary Committee, Sunday School Class Secretary and Sunday School Treasurer. In 2020, within two weeks after the pandemic began, she successfully organized and coordinated a conference call line for Sunday School participation, which currently has over 25 active members.

Mrs. Thompson was an avid world traveler. She enjoyed traveling with family and friends to places such as Jerusalem, Cairo, Egypt, Tel Aviv, The Vatican, Venice, and Rome Italy. She also traveled to Hawaii, the Bahamas, Cozumel, Costa Maya Mexico, Florida, and Nevada, as well as other places. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, she frequently traveled to California and Texas where she enjoyed visiting with her family and friends. In addition to traveling, Mrs. Thompson's hobbies included cooking (instructing others how to cook), talking, and filing taxes during tax season. She had a passion for cooking and was known for sharing her meals with others. She enjoyed learning new things and shared her knowledge and wisdom with those who desired to listen.

Mrs. Thompson was dedicated to providing and caring for her family. She was pivotal in helping to develop the Martin Luther King Neighborhood and worked tirelessly for over 60 years in serving her community. She was an active committee member who helped to annex the Martin Luther King Community, better known as the Cooper Road into the City of Shreveport.

Mrs. Thompson was a pillar in her community. She mentored thousands of young people through City Youth Programs. In doing so, she shared her wisdom and led by example. She provided training opportunities for thousands of individuals to receive on-the-job training and skill sets that helped propel individuals into successful careers. The saying was, "If you worked for Ms. T, you can maintain a job anywhere." Many of those who worked for Mrs. Thompson became gainfully employed, managers, successful business owners, and leaders in the community. She was well respected and loved in the community, and throughout the world. In recognition of her service, Mrs. Thompson was given the key to the Parish in 2021, along with a proclamation from Caddo Parish and the City of Shreveport.

Mrs. Thompson is preceded in death by her mother and father Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Gattie Douglas; her sons (Tolbert Lewis and Okyeame Thompson); sisters Bonnie Francis, Lashawnn (Reggie) Wilson, and Vera (James) Cannon.

Mrs. Ernestine Thompson memories will be cherished by her daughters Dr. Veronica McEachin, Sylvia (Bernard) Webber, Marvetta Thompson, all of Shreveport, Louisiana

and Didaciana Thomas of Little Elm, Texas. She also leaves to cherish her memories eleven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, great-nieces, great-great nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-great nephews, cousins and friends.