GRADY L. THOMPSON

July 10, 1921 - Dec. 20, 2007
SOUTH BEND - The funeral ceremony for Rev. Grady L. Thompson is Thursday, Dec. 27, at noon, with visitation one hour before the service in Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 101 North Adams St., South Bend. Grady L. Thompson of East Monroe Street, South Bend, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, Dec. 20. He was 86 years old. Grady was born July 10, 1921, in Garrett, IN, to John and Maggie Thompson. The family relocated to South Bend shortly after his birth.

Grady graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1939.

Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1944. On November 25, 1948, he married the love of his live, Ideria Maxie. They recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

Grady was a longstanding, faithful member of St. John M.B. Church. In September 1998 he was ordained as a minister under the leadership of the late Rev. Billy Kirk. He was a faithful servant of God, his church and numerous community organizations such as the H.T. Burleigh Assoc., South Bend Boys Club and the South Bend Writers Club and, of course, the Senior Choir of St. John's. In his spare time he enjoyed writing, especially poetry. His employment history encompassed Studebaker Corp., Dewey's and the South Bend Medical Foundation. He also operated an independent cab company. Grady was also a founder of Mt. Zion M.B. Church where he brought the word of the Lord to many for nine years.

Grady is the last of nine children: three sisters, Essie P. Grimes, Addie M. Bragg and Evelyn Norman, and five brothers, Charles E., James O. and Earl Thompson, R.T. Norman and Archie R. Norman, all preceded him in death.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Ideria Thompson; daughters, Ima Jean Johnson and Michelle Thompson; eight grandchildren; and a goddaughter, Patricia Rencher. Many nieces, nephews, caring friends and brothers and sisters in Christ also survive him.

Burial is at Riverview Cemetery. Cobb Funeral Home - South Bend Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Dec. 26, 2007.

03/05/2023 EJS