Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Ruby Thompson Obituary
A native of Isle of Wight County, she was daughter of the late Sandy R. and Hattie K. Warren, and the widow of Fred D. Thompson Sr.
Mrs. Thompson was a graduate of Isle of Wight Training School and attended Norfolk State University and Virginia State University, where she received a BS degree in Home Economics. She retired in 1988, as a teacher at Smithfield Elementary School, after 32 years of service. She was a devoted member of Chapel Grove United Church of Christ, where she was a Deaconess and member of the Council Board and Sunday school. She was also a board member of Thompson Hospitality, Social Service Board, Board of School House Museum, member of Meals on Wheels and served with Cancer Transport.
She leaves precious memories to her daughter, Benita T. Byas (Jeff Byas) of Potomac Falls, Va.; two sons, Fred D. Thompson Jr. of Ashburn, Va., and Warren M. Thompson of Vienna, Va.; one sister, Lois Duck (Samuel Duck) of Windsor; three grandchildren, Fred D. Thompson III, Gabrielle L. Byas and Zachary M. Byas; brother-in-law, Tenus Thompson Sr. of Lawrenceville, Va.; sister-in-law, Myrtle Thompson of Afton, Va.; devoted cousin, Jacqueline Joyner; several nieces and nephews and a number of devoted friends.
A celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Chapel Grove United Church of Christ, 7366 West Blackwater Road, Windsor, officiated by the Rev. H. C. Church and the Rev. J. J. Ferguson. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The body will lie in state from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Old School House Museum, 516 Main Street, Smithfield, and will lie in state from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the church. The family will be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Duck, 8394 Blackwater Road, Windsor, days leading up to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the Ruby W. Thompson Memorial at the School House Museum, Inc., P.O. Box 1113, Smithfield, VA 23431.
Crocker Funeral Home, Suffolk, is handling arrangements. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruby Thompson
Joy Dukes
October 16, 2008
To Warren, Fred, Benita and the entire Thompson Family,
May you find Peace in knowing that God has a special place for our love ones that he calls on and that he will strengthen each of you in this time of sadness.
Each of you are constantly in My Prayers and Thoughts.
Joy Dukes
Marvin, Renee and Ashley King
October 15, 2008
To Warren, Fred, Benita and the entire Thompson and Duck families
May this time of sadness pass gently on its way and may the memory of Ruby remain as a precious keepsake, forever in your hearts.
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
October 7, 2008
To Fred, Warren, Bonita and the entire Thompson family,
I share the grief that you are experiencing in the loss of your Mother. What a wonderful legacy of love, support and strength that she has imparted to each of you. With each new day, I pray that you will be encouraged and strengthened as you live your lives to honor her memory and reflect her life.
Sincerely,
Vinetta Paige McCullough
Morgan State University
October 7, 2008
On behalf of President Earl and Mrs. Sheila Richardson and the entire Morgan State University family, we extend heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the peace of God surround you and comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Dr. and Mrs. Earl S. Richardson
Morgan State University
Monica Evans
October 6, 2008
We were sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God's love comfort and surround you at this difficult time.
The Evans Family
Keith, Monica, Eric, Christopher and Alexis
October 6, 2008
To: Mr. Fred Thompson & Family,
Commissioner and Mrs. Harold D. Williams extend our sincerest condolences to your family during this time of sorrow.
May you be comforted by the love of God that surrounds and strengthens you.
Prayerfully,
Harold & Sharon Williams
Martha "Cindy" Ford Evans Jackson
October 6, 2008
To Fred, Mike, Benita, Mr. & Mrs. Duck and Carla
The King, Warren and Thompson Families
Please accept my sincere sympathy at the passing of Mrs. Thompson.
I could write a book on her. She truly lived the way the Bible tells us. "Work while it is day". Her sojourn on the Cosmos was some trip! She used her gifts and talents to lend a hand to the needy, Many children and adults (too many to count) are the better from her being a force to be reckoned with in Education. Her presence was most visible. Not much was said by her about what she did for humankind but the impact she made by not be afraid of speaking out for what was right will never be forgotten. Roses are blooming in heaven for her in a place where the soul never dies. I will miss our phone calls, laughter and serious moments when we tried to make the world a better place for others.
Treasure your upbringing and continue along the path that has been set for you. Teach your children about your heritage. She left us much to soon.
God bless you and let the legacy continue.
Cheryl Nicholson
October 6, 2008
Benita, Fred and Warren,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult moment.
Your Mother was a wonderful person and she will be greatly missed. However, please take solace that she is happy and resting and free from all pain and worry. I was glad that I had the pleasure and opportunity to know her.
May God keep you and comfort your spirit at this time.
With Deep Sympathy and Love,
Cheryl Y. Nicholson
Morgan State University
Larry Eatton
October 6, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Margie Copeland
October 6, 2008
Realizing that nothing can be said to mend the hurt, pain, and loss that you, Fred, Mike, Benita, and Lois are feeling right now. All I can say is that we all mourn a wonderful individual, teacher, mother, and neighbor. Life will never be the same without her for Mrs. Thompson touched the lives of so many. We must all remember the good times she shared with each of us and the incredible journey that she has taken us all but most of all how she performed her greatest craft of meticulously molding a greater form of herself in her children. Her Children which she loved so dearly!!!!
God Bless You All,
(Neighbors holding you near)
The Copeland Family
Keith Beasley
October 6, 2008
Fred,
Keith and I were saddened to hear about your mother. We would like to express our sympathy and sincere sorrow to you and your family. If you need an ear, please do not hesitate to call. I know of no words to ease the hurt. Only time can heal and that time is different for each of us. Forever hold on to the the fond memories of your Mom. May you and your family continue in the strength of God.
-Keith and Gaynell Beasley
Tony & Donna Ivey
October 5, 2008
Fred, Benita, Warren and the rest of the Thompson Family, the Ivey family want you to know that “The Lord will not put more on you than you can bear but he will with every temptation make a way for you to escape so that you can bear it” I Cor 10:13. This is one of my favorite scriptures and I Pray that you find comfort in these words and know for sure that the Lord has called your Mother to a better place, he has called her home, a place where the Lord is preparing us for as well. Stay encouraged and know that in times like these is when you can feel the Lord’s presence the most. Fred, the same God that you shared about in Sunday School is the same God that will help us all thru these type of moments. We love you all.
Stephanie Eatton-Johnson
October 5, 2008
To the Byas, Thompson and Duck Families: Our thoughts and prayers are with and for you as you mourn the loss of Mrs. Thompson. We pray that God will comfort, sustain, carry and keep you today and on your tomorrows. I share your loss. The wonderful memories of time in Mrs. Thompson's presence and with your family will linger, be a source of comfort and not fade. God bless and keep each of you in His care and perfect peace! Stephanie and Greg Johnson
Evelyn Wilkerson
October 5, 2008
Our family was very fond of the Thompson family. Our son was one of Mrs Thompson's students and we just feel in love with them. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness. The Thompson's will be greatly missed.
Evelyn, Toni, Bill, Robert JR, Mario & grandchildren
Elaine Brown
October 5, 2008
To the Byas and Thompson Family:
We are truly sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I know that never has there been such a harder time in life, but with God's help and time, it will get a little easier as the days go by. God Bless and keep each of you.
The Brown Family
Elaine, Mitch, Alayna, and Mitchell
Vicki West
October 5, 2008
We were sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. You have our Deepest Sympathy. God's Blessings to you during this time of sorrow.
The West Family
Bill, Vicki, Ariel, & Nathan
Eleanor Warren Myers and family
October 4, 2008
PLease know that as cousins of Ruby, we wish to extend our most heartfelt sympathy to her family. Please know you are in our prayers!
Grandchildren of Samuel (Boot) Warren and Early Mae Warren Holmes.
William (Li Bro.) Lloyd (Butch), Eleanor (Sister) and Gloria
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Ruby Thompson's name
Memorial Events
for Ruby Thompson
How to support Ruby's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ruby Thompson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
