Dorothy Thompson

Dorothy Mae Thompson of Rockford went home to Heaven on Friday, February 19, 2021. Dorothy was born on March 22, 1928 in Stephen, AR., daughter to Jake Sr. and Beulah Cook. Dorothy was the 13th child out of 14 children. She attended schools in Stephen, AR. 

On September 5, 1946, Dorothy married the love of her life John H. Thompson. The Love of John and Dorothy was blessed by the love of God which was the driving force in their lives. John and Dorothy relocated to Rockford, IL. in 1950 for the opportunity to raise a family, joining an AMC church and promising employment. Dorothy was employed many years with National Lock Industries and became one of the first African Americans to receive a State Beauticians Licensed in Illinois which made history in the city of Rockford, IL. Dorothy carried the foundation of the Lord with her everywhere she went. She joined Allen Chapel AME church over 65 years ago supporting and dedicating herself diligently as a Sunday SchoolSuperintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Allen Chapel Usher, Allen’s Fellowship Club Coordinator, Allen Chapel Trustee, Allen Chapel Lay Organization member, Allen Chapel Choir, Allen Chapel Willing of Workers, and Allen Chapels Jail Ministry. Dorothy expanded her need to help and serve other by volunteering in her community to make a difference with the National Council of Negro Women, Rockford Literacy Counsel, Rockford Rescue Mission, Meals on Wheels, Local Democratic Party, and help build the foundation for Rockford’s Juneteenth Celebration. Dorothy Mae Thompson was an eloquent pillar of a woman with beauty that glimmered inside and out. She was a lady that was proud but very humble and soft spoken. Dorothy was known as a “Voice of Reason” and a “Song Bird” that sung tunes that would be pleasing to the ear.  
Dorothy’s favorite book to read was the Bible with Psalm 23 being her passage of choice along with the Gospel of Paul giving her delight in her walk with God. Dorothy loved her family, the church and people in general.

Dorothy leaves to cherish in her memory; sons, Sanford and Kevin Thompson of Rockford; daughters, Beverly Thompson of Rockford and Stacey Thompson of Toledo Ohio, grandchildren; Andrea Cates, Crystal Person, Kris Thompson, Lavonne Jemar Milsap and Ravon Thompson; Special grand/great children she raised, Martel Ford and Martel Jr. Alisha Haywood, Capresha Parker; sister; Vivian Cook-Wilkins, brother and sister in-laws; Lee Herman (Mattie) Thompson, Hattie Ferguson; a host of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren; nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. Special Family/Friends; Kenna Brassfield (niece), Jose and Shirley Stanford, Coretha Collins, Gloria Wilson, Elvira Moyer, Rodell Mashall, Glenda Hildreth, Rev. Mae Thompson, and Ann Thompson-Kelly.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, JohnHenry Thompson, sons; Billie and Cedric Thompson, parents; Jake Sr. and Beulah Cook, twelve siblings; Curly, Pearle, Lillian, Jessie Ruth, Johnnie J., Verdi, Ruby, Edward, Jake Jr., Charlie, Ted, and Morris Thompson.

Visitation on Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 9am-11am at Collins & Stones Funeral Home, 128 S. Fifth Street, Rockford, IL 61104, followed by funeral services at 11am. Pastor Charlene Bulls Mills will officiate.

Please practice social distancing and wear a face cover. A live web cast of the funeral services can be watched at 

Collins and Stone Funeral Home Facebook page.  Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 N Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115

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