Benora Ethel Thompson (Ms. B)

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”   Ecclesiastes 3:1 

“A time to be born…” Ecclesiastes 3:2 

Benora Ethel Thompson was divinely appointed to enter this world on September 25, 1932, in Indianola, Mississippi. She was born to the union of Scott and Margaret Jones and was a precious gift to this growing family. 

Benora was raised in Rockford, Illinois, at 318 Sawyer Road, where she grew up in a loving home alongside seven siblings. On November 5, 1949, she united in holy matrimony with the love of her life, John C. Thompson. From this union, God blessed them with 10 children. Together they built a home that would welcome generations. Their house at 320 Sawyer Road was rooted in faith, love and community. That home still stands as a monument to their legacy. 

“A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.” 

Ecclesiastes 3:2 

Benora was a servant at heart. She began her professional journey as a Nurse’s Aide, serving with compassion and grace for 13 years at River Bluff Nursing Home in Machesney Park, Illinois. Later, she transitioned to Warner Lambert, where she worked faithfully as a machine operator for 19 years until her retirement in 1999. Throughout her life, she was known for her nurturing spirit, resilience, and unwavering devotion to God and her family. 

A woman of deep faith, Benora was a steadfast member of Bethel Baptist Church on Harrison Avenue in Rockford, Illinois, where she worshipped and served the Lord faithfully for over 63 years. She loved the Lord with all her heart and lived a life that bore witness to His goodness and mercy. 

“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”  Ecclesiastes 3:4 

In 2014, Benora moved to Hawthorne, California, to live with her daughter, Joan and son-in-law Klegan Reed. There she spent the next 10 years enjoying her golden years with joy, warmth and grace. She embraced life as a “Cali Girl.”  Benora continued her faithful service becoming a beloved member of Blessed Family Covenant Church under the leadership of Pastor Wendy R. Howlett.  She faithfully attended and served in the Senior’s Day program. Even in her golden years, she continued to be a light, ministering through her love, wisdom and presence. 

Benora was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John; two sons, John Jr. and Dwight; her daughter, Rosie; her grandson, Tyrone; granddaughter,  Maisha; great-grandson, Robert; her parents, Scott and Margaret Jones; her mother-and father-in law, Alex and Bessie Thompson; two brothers, Scott (Buddy) and David; four brothers-in law, O’Neal, Pizzara, Anthony and Roy Lee (Charlie); two sisters, Florida and Evera (Puddin); and three sister-in-law, Zettie, Jerry Dean, and Viola. 

“A time to die…”  Ecclesiastes 3:2 

Benora was called home to eternal rest on June 26, 2025. Though her earthly journey has ended, the echo of her love remains in the lives of those she touched.  

She leaves behind a beautiful legacy: 

Her children; Joan and Klegan Reed (CA), Darlene, Bernadette, Corsette (IL), Kenneth (CA), Alex II, Wendell (Maine) and Margie (IN); Her beloved grandson, Clevon II (IL), whom she raised as her own; Her sisters; Minnie Hale (IL), Maureen Harrigan (CA); Her sisters-in-love; Betty Jones (CA), Mary Mann, Maudre Franklin, Almeth Williams (GA), Esteen and Raymond Wilson (MI), Iloma Stiff, Veretta Franklin, and Wanda Sue Anderson (IL); Her brothers-in love; Enous and Beatrice Franklin (IL); 27 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren, and 38 great-great grandchildren.  Her legacy is vast and eternal; 144 souls, each carrying a piece of her love. And one in the basket, waiting to arrive, the next heartbeat in the line of her legacy. 

Also, cherished by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and bonus daughters; Dena McCullough (Nutty) and Silvia Aranda (Tonno), and all the extended family and friends who were blessed by her life. 

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