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Jeffrey Gerald Thompson, age 59, of Grand Rapids, formerly of Greenville, passed away Monday, October 28, 2019. The son of Larita May (Bivins) & Gerald Thompson, he was born on January 31, 1960 in Greenville.
Jeff was not ready to go. He had been tending his thriving pepper plants, going to a cooking class and trying to exercise. He was anticipating pictures of his grandchildren's Halloween festivities. Jeff had many gifts and did everything early — talking, walking and even potty training himself. He was smart, and excelled in all sports especially baseball pitching. Most people who played chess with him lost. He loved the holidays, his family watching football and fishing, and was a "Trekie".
He clung to forgiveness for himself and others. One of Jeff's favorite passages was from Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified do not be discouraged for your Lord your God will be with you where ever you go." His family will not be complete without him and his quick wit.
Surviving are his mother, Larita Kemp; father and step-mother, Jerry & Sharon Thompson; two brothers, Greg Thompson & Lori Ruthruff, and Doug Thompson; a half-sister, Michelle Thompson; a daughter, Ashley Thompson; three grandchildren Caden Rae, Angellita and Carter; several aunts, uncles, and friends, including special friends Marsha Mooney and Anna Maria. Jeff is now in the care of his grandmothers, safe in the arms of the Lord.
Visitation with the family is from 12-1 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at the Ray I. Booth American Legion Post 101, 1320 W. Washington Street, Greenville, where the memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Chaplain Rick Devers of Spencer Mills Church will officiate and a luncheon will follow the ceremony.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Jeff's online guest book, or share a favorite memory, please visit: www.ChristiansenCares.com Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, (616) 754-5638.
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Jerry and Sharon and family I’m sorry for your loss may God wrap his loving arms around you all in this time of need! Sincere Condolences Mary Mathis.
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So sorry, Larita, friends and family.-á When we are followers of Christ the King, our death is just the beginning.-á We are home.-á Christ paid the debt He did not owe on our behalf.-á I suppose we can never fully comprehend His physical but more than that, emotional suffering when He said “My, God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”-á The penalty of our sin was on Him and by His stripes we are healed .-á Christ’s rejection by the Father was the price of the believer’s acceptence into the family of God.-á I am in awe and so thankful.
Larita, your poignant memories are those that only a loving Mom could express. Wishing the best for you as you go through the difficult time of grieving.-á -á
Jeff exhibited so many admirable qualities during his life. Among them, he had tremendous endurance, courage, and perseverance and a quick-witted sense of humor that would not only make you laugh but admire it’s clever intelligence. His humor opened up the smile that existed in the moment.-á He was loved and cared for.-á-á