Geraldine G. Thompson

Geraldine was born in Braggadocio, Mo., on November 7, 19**, to Hattie Lou (Smith) Garner and Jessie Henderson Garner. After living in Sidonia, Tn., and Chicago, Geraldine settled in Camden with her daughter, Kay, and married Paul “PK” Thompson (deceased), father to Virginia and Paula. Although not registered officially, her first name was “Dorothy,” after her mother’s favorite teacher. Geraldine earned an Associate’s degree in business from Jackson State, and pursued many professional certificates in her business and real estate career. A longtime member of First Baptist Church in Camden, Geraldine was known as a great negotiator, with a keen eye for decorating, construction and design.

Unafraid to speak her mind, Geraldine’s sharp wit and spicy tone barely veiled her deeply loving and compassionate heart. As a young grandmother and throughout her long, independent life (88 years, but don't tell anyone!), she delighted in her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s accomplishments. She claimed to be an introvert but flirted with cute babies and handsome gentlemen, mentored young people, and enjoyed robust conversations.

Geraldine was an avid shopper of fashion and antiques, and never passed up the chance to browse or host a yard sale. She filled her closets with shoes and coats, and always enjoyed wearing a striking hat. She traveled around the world from Mexico to Moscow on vacations and missions. Luscious jam cakes, towering coconut cream cakes, creamy chess pies, and bubbling cobblers graced her countertop year-round, and her daily silver dollar biscuits were a work of art. With her legendary green thumb, she grew vegetables and blooms of all kinds.

Although modest about her mastery of sewing and needlework, Geraldine turned out exquisite quilts, throws, baby clothes, formal gowns, and home décor. She could examine a garment in a store and recreate it perfectly. With too many favorites to name, we remember fondly the elaborate, ruffled dresses with jingle bells that she sewed for her daughters and granddaughters.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Henderson Dee Garner, and half-siblings Modine Uselton, Earl “Turk” Garner, Bill “Willie” Garner, Uria Collins, and Carrie Pauline Fly. She is survived by her daughters, Belinda Kay Green of Jacksonville, Fla., Virginia Hyatt (Tim) of Camden, and Paula Thompson Mann (Dale) of Camden, beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation with the Thompson family will be on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 from 10:00-1:00 pm at Oakdale Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 1 pm at Oakdale Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tim McGhee and Bro. Eddie Martin officiating. Burial to follow in the Benton Memory Gardens.