Cecil Thompson

WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER

Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. 18415 NW 7th Ave. Miami Gardens, FL 33169 August 28, 2021: 11:00 a.m.

Officiant Bishop Donald King Moderator Elder Christopher Plummer

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, And time shall be no more, And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair; When the saved of earth shall gather Over on the other shore, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Refrain When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

On that bright and cloudless morning When the dead in Christ shall rise, And the glory of his resurrection share; When his chosen ones shall gather To their home beyond the skies, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. Refrain Let us labor for the Master From the dawn till setting sun, Let us talk of all his wondrous love and care; Then when all of life is over, And our work on earth is done, And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. Refrain

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Celebrating the Life of Cecil Thompson

ORDER OF SERVICE Family Processional Instrumental Opening Remarks

Bishop Donald King

Song of Hope Congregation When the Roll is Called up Yonder Prayer

Elder Christopher Wilson

Scripture Reading Nevillie Levy (Sister-In-Law) Psalms 90:1-12 Song Tina Thomas (Friend) Way Maker Medley Scripture Reading Mavis Thompson (Sister-In-Law) 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Song Peace in the Valley

Leonard Clarke (Cousin)

Open Tributes Limited to 2 minutes each Remembrance

Song of Praise How Great Thou Art

Cherry Thompson (Sister-In-Law) Congregation

Eulogy Latoya Douglas (Stepdaughter) Song My Father’s Chair

Leonard Clarke (Cousin)

Sermon Bishop Donald King Prayer for the Family

Elder Ralston McKenzie

Recessional

Celebrating the Life of Cecil Thompson

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HOW GREAT THOU ART

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, Consider all, the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Chorus Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.

When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Chorus And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on a Cross, my burdens gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.

Chorus When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.

Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”

Chorus

DAD... …WE REFLECT YOUR LOVE.

EULOGY “Everyman’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one from another.”

As such, we gather today to revisit the life of CECIL THOMPSON. On the 6th of January 1950, in Samuel Prospect district in the parish of Trelawny, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Thompson welcomed their fourth child, (a boy) who they named Cecil Thompson.

Later, he was popularly called by the nickname ‘Dickie’ by friends and family members.

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Celebrating the Life of Cecil Thompson

In his early years, he attended Duncans Primary School and later gained a scholarship to the prestigious William Knibb High School. After leaving high school, his quest for a career prompted him to enroll in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, (JCF). He served with pride and dignity as he earned the respect of both his coworkers and the wider community he served.

Later, he migrated to the United States where his quest for the American dream landed him in Orlando, Florida. He resided there for a number of years. He engaged in various jobs, such as security guard, cable repair and recently as an Uber driver (where he earned gold star status). During his sojourn in Florida he met and married Merga McLeod, who became the cornerstone of his stability.

He was a great conversationalist. Many remember him as being well spoken, (often using the ‘Queen’s English’). Cecil was often referred to as the spokesperson for the family. In addition to engaging in conversations, he would often be found watching basketball or listening to politics on MSNBC. A few months ago, he started walking with a limp. His doctors recommended corrective surgery. He was later admitted into the ICU due to complications arising from the surgery. His condition continued to deteriorate and he was placed on a ventilator. God saw his pain and said, “My son, you will suffer no more.” So, on the 9th of August, 2021, at approximately 4:25 a.m., he took his last breath and gained his wings.

Loved ones left to mourn Cecil’s passing are his wife Merga, sons Richard and Andrew, daughter Carolyn, stepdaughter Latoya, 6 grandchildren, 4 brothers, 2 sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE

Celebrating the Life of Cecil Thompson

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TRIBUTE TO OUR DAD Written by Richard on behalf of Cecil’s children and grandchildren.

M

y dad passed away on August 9th. Even though I knew it was looming, I didn’t know it would come so soon. I was hoping to have more time to get acquainted with the idea of death once more and what it means for those of us left behind. People in my circle, and those with whom I’m associated, often question my feelings about my dad’s passing. They seem not to see much change in my conduct since his passing. I must admit that I have been hiding behind the fact that I have traveled this road of death twice before. In reality it’s different this time. It really hurts!

Now, I am beginning to understand just how naive my existence was before I was forced to confront death’s discourteous blow once again. While I hope no one will ever have to experience such a lifealtering loss, the truth is, we all will. Death is a part of life. Once it strikes someone you dearly love, your existence will never be the same. I know the pain of losing our dad will perhaps never leave us, I imagine it will ease with time as we process and get through it. I don’t suspect we’ll get over it. How can we? How can you get over a person who has been there since before you were even aware of yourself?

My dad’s life, his influence, and his energy, are inexplicably linked to ours and we now take comfort in that. We take comfort in knowing that our dad is no longer in pain. Suffering is no longer something he has to endure. Our dad, Dickie, as he is affectionately called, will forever be in our hearts until it stops beating. I’m proud and grateful that we all came from that humble home in Samuel Prospect.

We were taught to be respectful, caring, and compassionate towards everyone to whom we come in contact. Everyone on this earth has faults, I’m no different. However, I would forfeit any wisdom for the sake of having my dad back.

What is the measure of a man? Is it wealth, possessions, power or professional success achieved over the years? I don’t believe it is any of these things. The true measure of a man is how much love he gives; I know how much dad loved all three of us, he constantly said it. Daddy, you even blamed yourself for not doing as much as you would have liked to do. Rest well daddy, all three of us and our families are doing great.

We lost our dad but only in body, not in spirit. Losing a mother or a father is by far the most painful, heart-ripping and life-altering experience one will endure. We’ll do our best to remain grateful and comforted knowing how much our beloved dad loves us all.

Rest in peace daddy.

Children: Richard Thompson, Carolyn Thompson, Andrew Thompson Grandkids: Dequan Thompson, Umi Thompson, Ayame Thompson, Aden Thompson, Bella Smith

MEMORIES

To my dear Brother, There are so many fond memories that we have shared over the years… exchanging thoughts, laughing, drinking, even crying. Our bond is timeless. We’ve only been separated by the ages but I’ll see you again.

I miss you and I Love you. Rest in Peace, Linsay.

Dickie was a loving brother to us. A protector for his little sisters and a friend to most. He was full of laughter but also very serious when needed. He would not refuse a good plate of food.

Sleep on brother. May God bless your soul.

We hate to part with you, but this is God’s will.

We are saying goodbye to your body, but your spirit will always be with us.

Your loving sisters: Rose, Thelma & family 10

Celebrating the Life of Cecil Thompson

Words can’t express the feelings when a loved one is gone.

God gives life and he takes it.

Dickie you will be missed.

Rest in peace.

Mavis, Sister- in- law

OUR UNCLE Author Unknown

It broke our hearts to lose you but you never went alone, for a part of us went with you, the day God took you home.

A million times we missed you A million times we cried, If love could have saved you, you never would have died.

To the grave you travel Our flowers placed with care, No one knows the heartache, as we turn to leave you there.

If tears could build a stairway, and memories could make a lane, we would walk right up to heaven, and bring you home again.

We love you Uncle Dickie.

Sleep well in heaven with the angels.

From: Elizabeth, Christopher, Mitchell, Melissia, Stephen, Tonia

Words can’t express how much someone means to us.

One day you’re here and the next day you’re not. Uncle Dickie was one of a kind and that uniqueness made him who he was. Uncle Dickie, you’re no longer in pain. You will be missed by many but now you can be at peace with your best friend.

Rest easy Uncle Dickie -Tbo 12

Celebrating the Life of Cecil Thompson

THANK YOU

The family would like to thank all our friends and well-wishers for your kind support during this time of bereavement. May God continue to bless and keep you.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Royal Funeral Service Inc. 17475 NW 27th Ave. Miami Gardens, FL 33056.

305-625-6818

Concept Design and Editing

Love CareFronting, LLC Annette Taylor-Spence 954.439.5615

Printing

Pentecostal Tabernacle Int’l, Inc. www.PenTab.org 305.651.9696

PALL BEARERS Richard Thompson Andrew Thompson Lindsay Thompson Vallen Thompson Michael Thompson Matthew Thompson

Son Son Brother Brother Nephew Nephew

INTERMENT Vista Memorial Gardens 14200 NW 57th Avenue Miami Lakes, FL 33014 (305) 821-1421

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Celebrating the Life of Cecil Thompson

Art Direction and Layout

Gracious GraFX Studios www.GraciousGrafx.com 305.928.4439

GRAVESIDE SONGS THERE’S A LAND THAT IS FAIRER THAN DAY There’s a land that is fairer than day, And by faith we can see it afar, For the father waits over the way, To prepare us a dwelling place there.

Chorus In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore; In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

We shall sing on that beautiful shore, The melodious songs of the blest, And our spirits shall sorrow no more, Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

To our bountiful Father above, We will offer our tribute of praise, For the glorious gift of his love, And the blessings that hallow our days.

CHORUSES Won’t It be a Time We’ll Soon Be Done

THE END OF A JOURNEY When I’ve gone the last mile of the way I shall rest at the close of the day And I know there are joys that await me When I’ve gone the last mile of the way

THE MEMORIAL KEEPSAKE A Production of

Gracious GraFx & Love CareFronting