Thompson Family Reunion – October 6, 2024

The gavel has been passed.  As a seventh-generation grandson of Reubin Thompson, I am honored to assume an interim leadership position in our family’s foundation.  I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of former leaders like organizers George A. Thompson, Col. Reginald Thompson and Ruby Thompson King, former presidents James Johnson, Garland Thompson, Bill T. Akers and Phillip Stephens, generous donors Don and Lillian Thompson, long-time minister Clarence Thompson, as well as other faithful volunteers such as Robert, Elmer, Bill and Mike Thompson. Continue reading

Death of Mildred Frances Usry Thompson

Mildred Frances Usry Thompson

Mildred Frances Usry Thompson

Our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mildred Frances Usry Thompson, who passed away on June 11, 2024 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 70 years, Clarence Ashley Thompson Sr. who died August 2, 2023 and had served as the pastor of Ebenezer Methodist Church of Kemp, Emanuel County, Georgia for 20 years.

Her interment was on June 15, 2024 in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Avera, Jefferson County, Georgia.

Below is her obituary from the James Funeral Home, 630 N. Main St., Wrens, GA 30833: Continue reading

Thompson Family Reunion Newsletter – Spring 2024

Reubin Thompson Memorial Foundation
Spring Newsletter 2024


Reunion News

Our reunion last fall was on a beautiful day with great food.  Because he was feeling unwell our President Philip Stephens was unable to be there so cousin Bill T. Akers presided.  Sadly, we lost Philip a few days later.  He is greatly missed!!   Board member Andy Thompson has agreed to serve as president during this time of transition, with Bill T. as Vice President.   Last fall we gathered on Saturday evening for a meal and singing at Oak Park.  An event on Saturday is in the planning stages.   More details will be sent in your fall newsletter.  Please make plans to be in attendance the first weekend in October, our long-standing tradition! Continue reading

Death of William Philip Stephens

William Philip Stephens

William Philip Stephens

Our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of William Philip Stephens, President of the Reubin Thompson Memorial Foundation, who passed away on Wednesday, October 04, 2023 at his home in Soperton, Georgia. “Philip” Stephens had attended every Thompson Family Reunion since it started in 1958, except for this year’s reunion due to his illness.

Below is his obituary from the Sammons Funeral Home, 4201 West Main Street, Soperton, Georgia 30457:

Continue reading

Thompson Family Reunion – October 01, 2023

Dear Family and Friends,

Things are going back to normal this year.  The fear of Covid seems to be taking a back seat these days so we feel safe to resume our regular activities.  This reunion marks 66 years that we have been meeting at Kemp to celebrate our family heritage.  It’s also a time to renew old acquaintances and make new ones.

Sunday, October 1st is our Big Day at Ebenezer Church on Kemp Road west of Swainsboro.  We are finally going back in the church with the doors opening at 9:30 and the program starting at 10:30.  Casual dress is fine and children are welcome.  Instead of a speaker, we are having a music program this year featuring some of our kin with chances for all of us to take part.
Continue reading

Thompson Family Reunion Newsletter – Spring 2023

Reubin Thompson Memorial Foundation

SPRING 2023 Newsletter

Dear Family Members,

REUNION OCTOBER 1st

Some of us are already beginning to make plans for our 2023 reunion. In fact, there is talk of having a meal together on Saturday evening for those who arrive early or live close by. Details will be sent in our regular newsletter at the end of summer. The purpose of this letter is to keep in touch and provide news and reminders. It only goes to those whose email addresses we have. Please forward to others who might not receive it. Also, mark your calendars for Sunday, October 1, 2023 as the day of our annual reunion. Continue reading

Thompson Family Reunion 2022

Dear Family and Friends,

This reunion marks 65 years that we have been meeting at Kemp to celebrate our family heritage.  It’s also a time to renew old acquaintances and make new ones.  The last couple of years have been different because of Covid.  In 2020 we did not meet at all.  Then last year we had an abbreviated reunion outside.  Because Covid is still around, we will follow the model of last year.

Sunday, October 2nd is still our Big Day at Ebenezer Methodist Church on Kemp Road west of Swainsboro.   There will be no singing, no speaker, no indoor activities.  The church will be open for bathroom use.  At 11:30 we will gather at the outside shelter for a few remarks and a reading of the names of those who have passed away in the last year.  After a prayer, we will proceed with our dinner.  Caution will be taken, such as providing plastic gloves for serving food and sanitizer available.  If you feel apprehensive, I will understand your choice not to attend, but we want to provide an opportunity for those who wish to come.  The plan is that perhaps we can meet inside the church next year. Continue reading

Thompson Family Reunion 2021

 Dear Family and Friends,

As you know, last year we were unable to meet due to COVID.  We had been going full blast preparing for this year’s reunion when the pandemic grew worse again.  After careful consideration we are planning to still meet again, but things will be different. Continue reading