Robert Thompson

Rev. Robert L. Thompson (75) of Ypsilanti, Michigan transitioned peacefully on Saturday May 13, 2023, with his loving family by his side at the home of his sister.

Rev. Thompson was born on March 2, 1948.  He was the 3rd child of the late Corine and Eddie Thompson.  He was raised in Trumann, Arkansas and in the mid 1960’s the family moved to Marked Tree, Arkansas where he attended and graduated Carver High School.  In 1968 he married Ann Givans and four children were born to this union, which dissolved in 1978.  Throughout his time in Marked Tree, he worked for Firestone.  Rev. Thompson was never scared to take on new opportunities and did everything with honesty and integrity.  He was highly respected and well loved by everyone which led him to be appointed Honorary Sheriff of his community.  Rev. Thompson had incredible patience and always made time to help others.  In the late 70’s he moved to South Bend, IN to reconnect with family before moving to Ypsilanti, MI.  In 1980 he married Christine Robinson of Ypsilanti, MI, this union lasted for forty- two years. Rev. Thompson was employed with Motor Wheels Corporation where he was a machine operator and a preceptor to all new hires.  After sustaining injuries on the job, he was medically retired. He was a lifelong resident of Ypsilanti, MI until his health declined in November 2022, he then relocated to South Bend, IN to be with family.

Uncle Robert, Rev, or Thompson to others, but to his family he was a devoted father and father figure to many, a brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.  Robert enjoyed coming home for the holidays to spend time with family and enjoying homecooked meals, but his favorite was okra and hot sauce.  He was an avid house painter.  When he talked about his paining jobs you could hear the joy in his voice.  He enjoyed and loved all his children and he spoke highly of his godson, Dr. Lamar D. Johnson. 

He was truly a man of God, who loved reading his bible in his down time, he loved watching Westerns, and traveling.  In 1980 he professed hope in Christ.  He served as Pastor Leggett’s righthand man for many years, ushering him and the congregation around the country.  Rev. Thompson loved and cherished his church family dearly and was always supportive when and where he could help. 

Rev. Thompson was placed under watch by Pastor Leggett and St. John Missionary Baptist Church to become a Deacon.  After his watch period, he was ordained to the office of Deacon.  He was a dedicated member of the Brotherhood and the Male Chorus, and he was the kids favorite van driver.  To the kids he was affectionately known as “Uncle Robert”.  In 2003 Rev. Thompson accepted his calling to the Ministry where he preached his trial sermon and was licensed to preach by Rev. Dr. James E. Hendricks and St. John Missionary Baptist Church.  He went on to better equip himself in the word of God by attending Tennessee School of Religion and ten years later, he received his Minister Ordination License on July 16, 2013, from the Eastern Progressive Baptist District Association of Detroit and Vicinity, under Rev. Dr. Raymond Wilson, Moderator.  Rev. Thompson served as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Sunday School & BTU Congress in the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Michigan under the current leadership of Rev. E Charles Tillison, Sunday School and B.T.U. Congress, President, and Rev. Dr. James E. Hendricks, Convention President.

Rev. Thompson was proceeded in death by his parents Eddie Thompson, Corinne (Thompson) Sullivan and stepfather JB Sullivan; his four brothers Clifford “Bobby”, Floyd, Lloyd, and Manuel; sister Gladys Thompson and stepson James Givans.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory; his children Robert Jr, Terry and Stephanie Thompson of Jonesboro, AR, Kevin Thompson of Ypsilanti, MI, and Terra (Larry) Williams of Brookland, AR; four brothers Marvin, Jimmi, Earl (Eloise) Thompson of South Bend, IN, and Vernard Sullivan of St. Paul, MN; three sisters Terri and Genevra Sullivan of South Bend, IN and Michelle Sullivan of Ypsilanti, MI and sister- in law Jeanetta Thompson of Elkhart, IN; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; goddaughters Zanita Clipper, Gania and Leiana Perry and Corine Johnson; special friends Zachary Clipper Sr. and Johnny Epps; special cousin John Henry and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Thompson, please visit our floral store.