Odessa Manuel Thompson

After 96 full and wonderful years there was a great Heavenly reunion on Friday, March 30th, 2018 at 12:25 PM. Heaven's gates opened to receive our beloved Mother, Odessa Manuel Thompson.  Upon arrival she was met by her Savior, Jesus Christ.  She then was reunited with her husband Elijah Lee Thompson; her Mother and Daddy, Maggie Hooker Manuel and Clifton Carver Manuel; her brothers little baby Melvin Manuel, Carl "Pitt" Manuel, Harry Manuel, Odell Manuel; sister Emma Pulliam, her beloved Son, Bobby Lee Thompson and her beloved daughter Delores Thompson Edwards as well as a host of extended family and friends who predeceased her. 

Mrs. Thompson was a member of Trinity Wesleyan Church of Eden, whose members stood by her until the Lord called her home.  She was very active in the Church when it was Pilgrim Holiness Church; worked at American Tobacco, Cato’s and Vanier Graphics; was actively involved in the organizations of the schools attended by her children; served on the establishing Board of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Rockingham County, was on the Human Relations Committee and was a member of the consolidated Board of Commissioners when the Tri-Cities merged to become Eden.  She was the first female commissioner in Spray's history.

She is survived by one sister Pearlie M. Coleman (the late Alfred); daughter-in-law Carol Thompson (the late Bobby), son-in-law Roy C. Edwards, (the late Delores) of Eden, NC; by sisters-in-law Mildred H Manuel (the late Carl “Pitt”) of Eden, NC and Rachel Manuel (the late Harry) of Rocky Mount, VA; by her daughter Debbie Horton (Myron) of Eden, NC, and her son Wayne Thompson (Lisa) of Eden; by three "special" daughters  Vicki Webster (Bill), Bonnie Felts, (Rodney) and Teresa Smith (Norman) of Burlington, NC; Susan G. Vernon (Howard) of Mayodan, and Susan Stultz (Calvin) of Reidsville, NC.  She also enjoyed visits from her special Great Granddaughter, Madison Wilder of Mayodan. She is also survived by grandsons Herman Lee Thompson (Lois) of Winter Park, FL, Chris Edwards of Stoneville, NC, Kevin Edwards, (Brandie) of Stoneville, NC, Cody Thompson (Courtney) and Nicholas Thompson of Eden, NC; by granddaughters Lisa C. Thompson of Eden, NC, Rebecca Conol-Horton (George), Nancy Horton of Ocala, FL and Virginia H. Mayberry (Matthew) of Clover, SC. She is also survived by 12 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family expresses their sincere thanks to Pastor Bob Trogdon and the membership at Emmanuel Baptist Church for their love and support.  The family sends thanks to the Church she was a member of, Trinity Wesleyan Church, who stood by her during her convalescence at The Carolina House in Reidsville and UNC-CH Rehabilitation Center, Eden, that brought many times of laughter and enjoyment to her.  The family is grateful to all the nurses, CNA’s and volunteers of the Carolina House and UNC-CH Rehabilitation Center for the care, expressions of love and laughter they brought to her.  We give special thanks to Dr. Xaje Hasanaji for his compassionate and thorough care during her convalesce. Appreciation also to the nurses and volunteer Debra Finney from Hospice of Rockingham county who provided palliative care.

Visitation will be from 6-8 pm at Fair Funeral Home in Eden, NC on Tuesday April 3rd, 2018.  Her memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, April 4th, 2018 at Trinity Wesleyan Church on Aiken Road in Eden, NC.

Interment will be at Goodwill Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery on Morgan Ford Road in Henry County, VA where she'll lay in rest beside the love of her life, Elijah Lee Thompson.

The family will receive friends at other times at the home of her daughter and son in law, Debbie and Myron Horton, 7041 NC Hwy 770, Eden on the corner of Roberts Road and Highway 770.  Any contributions are asked to go to Trinity Wesleyan Church, 186 E Akin Rd., Eden, NC 27288, or First Baptist Church of Eden, 533 Greenwood St. Eden, NC 27288.