Mr. Jimmie Thompson, 69, a resident of Greenville, Ala., died on May 5. Visitation will be held on May 12 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Chapel of Carter Rice and West Funeral Home, 10 Chalet Drive, Greenville, Ala. The funeral service will be held on May 13 starting at 1 p.m. at Butler Chapel AME Zion Church, 347 Oglesby Street, Greenville, Ala., with Carter Rice and West Funeral Home directing. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery.

Brother Jimmie Thompson was born to the late Lose “Paw Paw” Peterson and Ozie Franklin in Greenville, Ala., on May 3, 1947.   Jimmie chose to live for the Lord at an early age when he was united with May Lou Knights Holiness Church.  Later he became a member of Butler Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church where he was a member of the trustee board and choir and remained faithful until his death.

He joined the Wingfield Lodge  No. 23 in 1973. He was the Worthy Patron of Aberilla  No. 170 O.E.S. Jimmie was a man of many talents.  You could call him “Mr. Do It All” because that is what he did. If there was a problem and you needed help fixing something, just call “Papa” and he would be there. He labored for many years in different capacities and helped all, as long as his health allowed.

Jimmie was united in marriage with Mary L. Albritton on July 26, 1970 and the union brought forth three children—two sons and a daughter. The two remained married until Jimmie received his wings.  He was preceded in death by his brother Raymond Franklin and his sisters Louise and Ladonna Franklin, Cynthia Hall and Annie Nell George.

Memories of Jimmie will be cherished by, a loving and devoted wife of 45 years, who determinedly loved and cared for him, Mary L. Thompson; a son, Jimmie (Angie) Thompson; grandchildren, Le’Darrien (Marisha) Thompson, Neiona, DeVante, DeAnte, DeAndre, Antigone and Tyesha; a daughter, Tamika (Benjamin) Lloyd; grandchildren, Jimmie, also known as Three, Benyonce’, Benjamin II and TaZari; a son Jamey (Brandi) Thompson; grandson, Julian;  God fearing mother, Ozie Franklin; eight brothers and sisters; Johnnie Thompson, Helen Purifoy, Gloria Moorer, Gilda Robinson, and Tracy Franklin all of Greenville, Ala., Cynthia Dillard (Honoraville, AL), Randolph (Clara) Peterson of Maine, Gene Johnson of Indianapolis and James Johnson of Detroit, Mich.; very loving and prayerful sistes-in-law and brothers-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends, too many to name, along with many others who loved him as a “Papa” and he loved as his own.