Thompson Foundation Update

Dear Thompson and Allied Family Cousins,

First of all, I hope you had a glorious Easter and will carry the Joy of the day throughout the year.  We are all very blessed.

Next, here is an update on the status of our Green Leaf Ebenezer Church and Cemetery.  As a reminder, our family association is now the owner of both the church as well as the old and new cemeteries.   (and the nearby Reubin Thompson Cemetery).  As I wrote to you last fall, Hurricane Helene took a direct path through Emanuel County and did a great deal of devastation.  Many of the tall slash pines on our land were damaged or uprooted, taking a toll on our various buildings, fencing and utilities.  According to our hard-working president, Andy Thompson, the following tasks have been accomplished:

  1. downed trees have been removed
  2. grounds were raked to removed roots, etc.
  3. Power and water have been restored to the church and to the outdoor restrooms

Still needed are repairs to the picnic shelter roof and restroom building roof.   Also, significant portions of the cemetery fencing need to be replaced and some tombstone repair work is needed.  About $50,000 has been spent and another $20,000 may be needed.  Thankfully, our insurance paid for a portion of these repairs and we have savings, but donations of any amount would be most appreciated.   In addition, your prayers are requested as we move forward and remain a strong family association.

As usual, our board members will be meeting this summer to plan our next reunion at Ebenezer Church which will be on Sunday, October 5th.  We welcome your suggestions, especially as far as involving more of our young family members.  Also, the deadline to apply for the $1000 Roots & Wings Scholarship is fast approaching on June 1st.  Please contact Chairperson Susan Middleton at 478-955-4377 or symiddleton@bellsouth.net for an application.  We hope to see many of you in October!!!

Marilyn Lear, Family Historian
Reubin Thompson Memorial Foundation
backriver@comcast.net
912-217-0984

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