Cortlandt Gerard Thompson

1981 - 2014

Cortlandt Gerard Thompson

Jackson, MS

Cortlandt Gerard Thompson was born on March 21, 1981, in Jackson, Mississippi. He was the only child born to the union of the Rev. Dr. Taylor Tyrone Thompson of Columbus, Ohio and Dr. Brenda Kaye Miller Thompson, retired Professor/Director from Jackson State University. He departed this life on October 21, 2014.

Education and Honors

Cortlandt began his early education at the Lottie Thornton Early Childhood Center at Jackson State University. He attended Christ the King from kindergarten through first grade; and matriculated through the Jackson Public School System where he graduated from Forest Hill High School in 1999. He was a member of the Marching and Concert Band (Percussionist) at Hardy Middle School and Jim Hill High School; member of the All-City Middle School Band (Percussionist) from Hardy Middle School(February 22 and 23, 1995); Superstar student, High honor and honor roll; selected to Who's Who Among American High School Students; member of APAC Art; Point Guard—Jim Hill High School Basketball Team; and member of the Kappa League, Delta Delta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Jim Hill High School). He was invited to participate in several leadership forums and oratorical contests.

Cortlandt joined the Jackson State University Karate Club Tae Kwan Do at a young age under Mr. Lindsey Horton, Master Instructor. He became a Junior Black Belt on February 1, 1992. He participated in many tournaments and won many trophies.

After graduating from high school, Cortlandt attended Wilberforce University from 1999-2003, majoring in Computer Science. While at Wilberforce University, he was a Dean's List scholar; prospective member of the new Wilberforce Band as a percussionist; received accolades as a student worker in the Department of Music, and many other awards. . He returned to Jackson, Mississippi in 2007, where he resided with his mother until his death. From the age of 10, Cortlandt had a talent for barbering. Because he knew how to cut with such precision, he had boys and men as customers at such a tender age. Because of his barbering skills, Cortlandt enrolled and graduated from the Academy of Hair Design Barber College in Jackson, Mississippi in December 2013. After passing the State Barber Exam, he became a self-employed Professional Licensed Barber, known as "Mr. Exclusiv". He was known for his custom hair designs.

Cortlandt was a fifth generation A.M.E. on his maternal side. He was a member of Pearl Street A.M.E. Church in Jackson, Mississippi. He was an A.M.E. Eighth Episcopal District officer. In terms of the Connectional level, Cortlandt was elected a youth delegate and attended the W.M.S. Quadrennial in Miami, Florida in July 1999. He attended the 14th World Methodist Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii with his parents, Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson and Dr. Brenda Kaye Thompson, when he was 4 months old.

Cancer Survivor

At the age of 11 months old, Cortlandt was stricken with neuroblastoma. Cortlandt was admitted to St. Jude Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. At the time, he was given four (4) months to live. Cortlandt remained with St. Jude from 11 months old through high school even though he was in remission. His cancer never came back.

To Mourn His Passing

Cortlandt was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. Luelon and Mrs. Lena Simmons Miller and Mr. Taylor and Mrs. Rosie Hale Thompson; and, his pet dog, Mr. Tiger Tyrone Thompson. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and loving parents, Dr. Brenda Kaye Miller Thompson; Reverend Dr. Taylor Tyrone Thompson (Rev. Dr. Barbara Thompson); Aunt -Dr. Romelda Y. Simmons; Uncle-Mr. Bobby A. Hassain; Aunt-Ms. Betty Jean Thompson; Sister-Ms. Pia Butler, First Cousin-Becca A. Hassain, Niece- Shakiera Butler, and a host of cousins, other family, and friends.

Family Hour----Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home 3580 Robinson Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39209, Friday, October 31, 2014, 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Funeral----Pearl Street A.M.E. Church, 2519 Robinson Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39209, Saturday, November 1, 2014 - 10:30 a.m.

Interment----Lakewood Cemetery, Picket Street Greenville, Mississippi 38701, Saturday, November 1, 2014