January 1st 1963 – April 16th 2016
Reverend Thompson was the love of my life. He said that he was going to marry me from the first day that he ever saw me. He was my husband, my best friend, my laughing buddy, my traveling partner, my Chef, my confidant, and most of all my pastor. He Loved the Lord. He was a loving Pastor, husband, son, son-in-law, grandson, brother, brother-in-law, God father, Spiritual father, nephew, cousin, uncle, co-worker, neighbor, and loyal friend.
Reverend Thompson had a heart of giving. He would literally give you the shirt off his back and you didn’t even have to ask. Therefore, I was not surprised when he told me that he was an organ donor on our first date. He reiterated it to me many times in twenty four years that we shared.
I was honored to know that someone will see through the eyes of Reverend Antione Thompson because he donated his corneas. It’s comforting to know that a part of him still lives.
This square for the quilt was created by a dear friend of ours by the name of Anette Santiago. Reverend Thompson loved his “custom made” shirts that was monogrammed just for him. I gave Annette the shirt and the directions from the organization. I chose blue because this is his spiritual mom, Deaconess Luddie Chatt, favorite color. She was with us every step of the way from the day that he was diagnosed with lung cancer and I am ever so grateful. His beautiful mother preceded him to go to heaven before I met him so I thank God for the mother-in-law that God provided for me. Annette asked me for one of his handkerchiefs and a bow tie; she then began to be creative at her sewing machine with lots of love.
He was humbled for everything that God gave him and wore his best whenever he went into the house of worship. When I saw the finished product all I could do was cry. I know that he is smiling down from heaven as the quilt will bless many lives.
Reverend Thompson left an awesome Legacy behind. A new Beginning in Christ Temple, Prayer Changes Things prayer line, A cancer support group which holds fundraisers for the American Cancer Society and because of his giving heart The Reverend Antione E. Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established in his honor for a high school student and adult’s continuing education. He encouraged many adults to go back to school after they saw him study hard, get two degrees and was working on his master’s degree while sitting in chemotherapy with the will to live. You can read more about his legacy and apply for the scholarship fund or give a donation by going to Thompsonlegacy2016@gmail.com and request an application or to his Facebook page.
I am thankful for the Gift of Life program for giving me the opportunity to share my husband’s love through the “Threads of Love” Memorial quilt. This experience has encouraged me to be an organ donor and to encourage others to give the gift of life.
To God be the glory!