Norwood Thompson, Jr.

the Celebrating

Life & Legacy

Rev. Dr. Norwood Thompson, Jr. December 22, 1943 - February 8, 2017

And Now You Know the Rest of My Story…..

THE LIFE OF

Reverend Doctor

Norwood Thompson, Jr.

I Dreamed of a CityCalled Glory ...”

So bright and so fair.

When I entered the gates I cried, "Holy" The angels all met me there They carried me from mansion to mansion, And oh the sights I saw, But I said, "I want to see Jesus, The One who died for all."

Then I bowed on my knees and cried, "Holy, Holy, Holy."

Such were the words sung on many church programs from the young Norwood Thompson, Jr. (known then as “Junior Boy”) who would bow on his knees when he sung that chorus.

Reverend Dr. Norwood Thompson, Jr., the only son of the late Rev. Dr. Norwood Thompson, Sr. and Missionary Valtoria Armstrong Thompson, was the special Christmas gift given to his parents on December 22, 1943 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

From birth unto death, the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in his way.

Such was the life of Dr. Thompson. The inspiration and direction of this Gospel Preacher began at his baptism at age seven. He was reared in a religious family with his father being his mentor as a powerful preacher and leader.

Called and ordained to the ministry in 1978, he was a dedicated Gospel Preacher. A man of many dreams, God gave him a vision to lead. Dr. Thompson had many attributes of a successful advocate, a fine presence, commanding eloquence and a commitment to serve his church and community at large.

Following his father’s death as Pastor, Dr. Thompson’s commitment was evident through his new role as the new Pastor of First Zion Baptist Church in 1983 where he remained as Pastor for seventeen years. During his tenure, the congregation grew to over 300 members. Called by God to preach the gospel to every creature, that they are more than conquerors, he founded and established Jesus Never Fails Missionary Baptist Church where he remained Pastor until his passing.

Dr. Thompson had a particular interest in the spiritual and social well-being of all people. He had a rich background in community service. He was a “Champion for Social Justice and Change”.

According to Dr. Thompson, he had a call to “press on to serve” through service to God’s people. He strived in every possible way so that the lives of people everywhere were enriched and illuminated.

December 22, 1943

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February 8, 2017

Obituary continued …

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:13 KJV

According to Dr. Thompson, he had a call to “press on to serve” through service to God’s people.

He strived in every possible way so that the lives of people everywhere were enriched and illuminated.

Dr. Thompson was a man first, then a preacher, Pastor, teacher, counselor, servant and friend; humble in spirit, willing to work, ready to serve and always “Pressing toward the Mark for the Prize” of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ. His favorite song was “O How I Love Jesus.”

Dr. Thompson was married to his former wife, Mrs. Phillipa Thompson, the mother of his three children. He later married his lifetime co-worker and partner, the late Wynette Thompson and became a father to her daughter also.

Dr. Thompson was an accomplished scholar and Theologian, a lifetime committed servant in God’s Kingdom. He received many awards and much recognition for his spiritual and community services.

Dr. Thompson is believed to be the voice of this generation and generations to come. “Honor not just the teachings of a great man but also learn from his life and explore the relevance of those teachings.

Educational Accomplishments Elementary: James W. Johnson Junior High: Alfred C. Priestley High School: Mc Donogh 35 Senior High College: Inter- Baptist Theological Center (Houston, TX) (1983 Southern University, (New Orleans, LA) 1992 (B. A.) Union Baptist Theological Seminary, (New Orleans, La) (M.TH., D.D.) A.P. Clay Christian Bible School (1998) American College and Theological Seminary International University Organizations President: Director: Chaplain: Co-Chairman: Chairman: Chairman: Instructor:

and Community Affiliations: New Orleans Southern Christian Leadership Conference New Orleans Rehabilitation Education Civic Committee New Orleans City Council New Orleans Dr. Martin L. King National Holiday Celebration Safe Harbor Program- Gert Town New Orleans/Jefferson Parish Gun Buy Back Program Union Baptist College & Theological Seminary

Dr. Thompson is preceded in death by His wife, Lady Wynette Thompson; Parents, Dr. Norwood and Mrs. Valtoria Thompson; Sister, Mrs. Rose T. Johnson and Nephew, Gabriel Galloway Left To Treasure His Memories are his Daughters, Elder Evangeline Thompson Antoine (Andre) and Rochelle Carter; Sons, Min. Craig Thompson (Charlene) and Conroy A. Thompson (Lakeisha); Sisters, Dr. Marlene Thompson, Prelate; Lady Elaine Thompson Williams (Jay); Dr. Theada Thompson and Bishop Althea Thompson Galloway (Bishop Henry L.) of Houston, TX; 11 Grandchildren & 6 Great Grandchildren “And a Community of Family and Friends”

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Order of Service

2nd Free Mission Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Warren Ray, Jr. / Pastor, Eulogist Rev. Leon Tilton, Jr. / Temple of Divine Light B.C., Presiding 1228 Burdette Street * New Orleans, LA 70118

Saturday, February 18, 2017 * 10:00 a.m.

Processional ……………………………………………………………………………........... Ministers & Family Devotional Hymn ……………………………………………………………………………………………. Choir Scripture Readings Old Testament …………………. 23 Psalm …………………………... Min. Douglas Patterson Jesus Never Fails Missionary Baptist Church

New Testament ……………….. John 14:1-6 ………….……………………... Rev. Jason Hayes Jesus Never Fails Missionary Baptist Church

Congregational Hymn …………...................................................................................................................... Choir Prayer …………………………………………………………….…………................. Bishop Henry L. Galloway Hope Faith and Charity Church, Houston, TX

Selection ……………………….………….. “Oh How I Love Jesus” …….…………………...……………. Choir The Community Speaks…

Mayor Mitch Landrieu, City of New Orleans Jason Williams, Council-At-Large Rev. Leon Tilton, SCLC MLK Commission Representative Ed Marshall, New Orleans/Jefferson Gun Buy Back Committee Remarks ………………………………………………………………………….. Dr. Marlene Thompson, Prelate Bethel Temple of Deliverance Words of Comfort ……………..…….…………….…….……….............................................. Elder Linda Mosley Rightway & Truth Full Gospel Baptist Church

Solo…………………………………………………..…..…………………............................. Dr. Levy Barnes, Jr. Bethel Temple of Deliverance Acknowledgement of Visiting Ministers ……………………………………………………………………...…….

Representative, Union Baptist College & Theological Seminary Bishop Paul S. Morton, Senior Pastor Changing A Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA

Rev. Dr. W. L. T. Littleton, Greater Morning Star Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Ernest Marcelle, On Behalf of all Ministers

Solo ……………………………………......... “Jesus Never Fails” …………………………... Bro. Mark Sterling Jesus Never Fails Missionary Baptist Church

Reflections …………………………………………………………………………………… Rev. Dr. Glen Green Councilman, City of Westwego A Time of Sharing ………………………….. Memories of Norwood …………………………. Thompson Sisters Obituary …………………………………………………………………………………………. Dr. Levon LeBan Regional Director, NAACP

Solo……………………………………………………..……………………………… Pastor Tyrone Jefferson, Jr. Abundant Life Tabernacle Full Gospel Baptist Church

Eulogy ………………..…………………………………………….…………………… Rev. Dr. Warren Ray, Jr. Invitation to Christian Discipleship ……………………….…………………………… Rev. Dr. Warren Ray, Jr. Last Glimpse ‘til Glory …………………………...………………...……. D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home In Charge Benediction / Recessional

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Acknowledgements The family of Rev. Dr. Norwood Thompson, Jr. is deeply grateful to everyone for the many acts of kindness shown to us. Your expressions of love through phone calls, visits, cards, flowers, donations and most of all prayers, have helped us through this difficult time. Thank you for sharing in the Celebration of Life of Rev. Dr. Norwood Thompson, Jr. May the Lord bless and keep you all in His loving care. Please continue to pray for us as we remember each of you in our prayers.

Sincerely, The Thompson Family Special Thanks to Dr. Henry Evans, the Doctors and Nursing Staff of Touro Infirmary, Touro ICU 3rd Floor Nurses & Staff, 2nd Free Mission Baptist Church, Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office, Bean’s Formal Wear, Providence Memorial Park and Our Celebrations of Life

Active Pallbearers Ezra Landry Dr. Levy Barnes, Jr. Adrian Carter

Craig Thompson, Jr. Michael Lewis Marvin Brown, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers Minister Craig Thompson, Sr. Conroy Thompson Andre Antoine Wayne Landry Bishop Iram Chedikah Minister Herrone Galloway Melvin Smith, Sr. Jake Hardy Marvin Brown, Sr. Crispus Gordon, III

Interment Providence Memorial Park 8200 Airline Highway Metairie, LA 70003

Professional Services by: D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home 3933 Washington Avenue New Orleans, LA 70125

Repast 2nd Free Mission B. C. 1228 Burdette St. New Orleans, LA 70118 Design & Printing by “Our Celebrations of Life” (504) 453-2186 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com