Delores Thompson

Delores Thompson, born January 6, 1934, in Joliet, Illinois, passed away leaving behind a legacy of resilience, kindness, and unwavering dedication to others. She was the beloved daughter of Edward Lewis and Effie Yarns Lewis, who instilled in her the values of hard work, compassion, and perseverance that she carried throughout her life. A graduate of Joliet Township High School, Delores continued her education by taking college courses, always nurturing her curiosity and love of learning. She built a long and steady career as an office clerk with Baker & Taylor, where she worked faithfully for 22 years before retiring. Retirement, however, did not slow her spirit. Instead, Delores devoted the next 23 years to serving as a Foster Grandparent for Kankakee School District 111-an experience she cherished deeply. Her gentle presence, patience, and ability to connect with children made her a treasured figure in countless young lives. She attended Pembroke Reformed Church under the leadership of Pastor Hezekiah Brady. Delores had a remarkable gift for adapting to all people and situations. Nothing could keep her down for long; she met life’s challenges with grace, humor, and a quiet strength that inspired those around her. Her home was a place of comfort and creativity, where she enjoyed sewing, reading, and canning-hobbies that reflected her resourcefulness and love of tradition. Anyone fortunate enough to sit at her table knew the joy of her delicious gumbo and her famously irresistible “ugly cake.” She leaves to cherish her memory, her sons, Lamar (Martina) Thompson of Wehdel, Germany, Dana Thompson of Pembroke Township, IL, Rev. Donnell (Barbara) Thompson of Watseka, IL and Phillip Thompson of Pembroke Township, IL; her daughters, Cynthia Pickett of University Park, IL, Matireah (Michel) Thompson-Borders of New Lenox, IL and Celia Thompson of Hannibal, MO; sisters, Georgia Shirley and Jeanine Davis, both of Joliet, IL; a brother-in-law, Jesse Williams of Joliet, IL and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Beverly S. Thompson; a son, Charles Thompson; a son-in-law, Jewel Pickett; a daughter-in-law, Jorie Thompson; her siblings, William Lewis, Effie Lewis, Edward Lewis Jr., Bessie Lewis-Floyd, Willie Lewis, Christine Lewis-Webb, Ernestine Lewis-Jones, Oscar Lewis, Sylvester Lewis and Mary Lewis-Williams, and a brother-in-law, Raymond Shirley.

Tributes

Delores Thompson

January 6, 1934 - March 2, 2026