Willia Mae Thompson

Retired Teacher
 

Willia Mae Thompson (nee Wims), 73, of Bridgeton died at her home while under the care of her family on Tuesday January 19, 2010.

Mrs. Thompson was the wife of the late Clarence Thompson, who died in 2005, and she was the daughter of the late William and Dorothy Carr Wims. Born in Bridgeton in 1936, she had been a lifelong Bridgeton resident.

A graduate of Bridgeton High School, she attended Cumberland County College and received her teaching degree at Glassboro State College (Rowan) in 1980. Willia taught mentally and emotionally challenged students at the Downe Township School for over 30 years, yielding phenomenal results. She held several positions with the NJEA, including past president of the Downe Township Education Association. She was currently serving as a member of the NJEA Grievance Committee, Legislative Committee and Budget Committee. In addition, she was Downe Township's representative for the Local District Council. Willia taught adult school and helped many adults obtain their GED in Newport. She also worked for the former SCOPE organization teaching many migrant workers to read and write.

She held a variety of leadership posts within her church and Christ was the foundation in her life. She was included in the International Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Sunday School Hall of Fame.

Willia was inducted into the Cumberland County Black Hall of Fame in 2006 for her involvement and contribution to the community.

Survivors include ten children, Brunetta Hickson (Gerald) of Willingboro, Brian Thompson Sr. (Jackie) of Salem, Tracy Hogans of Neptune, Iona Lightfoot (Peter) of Cedarville, Patricia German of Millville, Renita Robinson of Millville, Brenda Wallace (Damien) of Philadelphia, Darryl Thompson Sr. (Cynthia), Joshua Thompson Sr. (Diana) and Duane Thompson (Denise) all of Bridgton and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, Velma Bradley of Atlantic City, Nancy Hooks (Robert) of Greensboro, NC and Ruth Wims of Bridgeton. Mrs. Thompson was predeceased by a son, Clarence Thompson Jr. in 1990 and a brother, Oliver Wims.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at Glory Tabernacle, 1018 Buckshutem Road in Fairfield Township on Saturday morning January 23rd at 11 o'clock.

The burial will follow the service at Cedar Hill Memorial Park in Hopewell Township.

Friends will be received at the church Saturday morning from 10 until 11.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Freitag Funeral Home of Bridgeton.

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