Cora Thompson

Cora Thompson went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, peacefully at home. She was born on November 6, 1933, to Bertha Pittman and James Merritt in Newport News Virginia. Cora completed high school and two years of college. She was previously married to Elijah Taylor. From that union one child Carolyn Lewis. She married Theodore Thompson and had six children, Velma, Stanley, Celia, Francine, Demetrica and Jacqueline.
Cora was a diligent worker and maintained several jobs to maintain her family. She enjoyed working as a nurse's aide and retired from Carolton Chronic Convalescent in Fairfield Connecticut. She also worked seasonally at Lord and Taylor and held several private duty nursing jobs.
Cora loved to travel, play bingo and be around her family. She was a great cook and baker. Her specialties cakes were seven up, coconut, and red velvet cakes. We tried to emulate her cooking, no match to what she could do. She used no measuring utensils. Wherever she was her family and friends were always welcome. Cora goal was to make everyone feel loved and welcome. She started great traditions in the family like the love of travel. Initiated annual family trips and gatherings. She supported and took care of her family at whatever cost. Having a relationship with Christ was the foundation of the love she displayed. The love she showed her family was unmatched. A matriarch is an understatement of her role in the family. She was loved and will be missed beyond measure!!
Cora was a member of Mount Aery Baptist church where she served as Missionary. She was part of the Friendship Club and the Senior Center of Hall Neighborhood House. She volunteered for 4H Club, Jim Hines and the former West End Community Council/NRZ
In addition to family, Cora had a tremendous medical team of nurses Brian and Gloria from Hartford Health Care Hospice Unit. A&B Homecare also provided exceptional staff who really cared for her Shayna, Charlene, Yah, Lisa, and Nay.
Cora leaves to cherish her loving memory are her children, Carloyn Lewis of Mount Vernon, NY, Velma Taylor (Nate) Stamford CT, Celia Dancy Straton PA, Francine Wright (Paul) Cincinnati OH, Demetricia Washington Cincinnati OH and Jacqueline Roscoe Waterbury CT. She had two surviving siblings, Alex Merritt, Seattle Washington and Moses Merritt Miami Florida. Cora had a special nephew Billy White Stratford CT, a special niece Priscilla Ohuoha Clinton, Maryland who showed her an overwhelming amount of love and support whom she loved dearly! Cora was also loved by fifteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her son Stanley Thompson and siblings William Sims (Juanita), James Merritt, Moses Meritt, Ed Merritt, Hazel Merritt, Augustus Merritt and Clara Merritt.