February 26, 2025 (Orlando) – Community members will be able to pay final respect to Florida Senator Geraldine F. Thompson and shower her family with love and support during services planned this Thursday and Friday. Thompson, long time legislator, passed Feb. 13 following complications from knee replacement surgery, according to news reports.

Public viewing/visitation will be held on Thursday, from 11 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. at Majestic Life Church, 821 S. Kirkman Road in Orlando. Two organization services (one for Links, Inc. and another for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) are planned later that day, also at Majestic Life Church, according to local officials. A traditional “Homegoing Service” is planned for Friday, starting at 11 a.m., at the church. For that service, ladies are asked to wear scarves in Thompson’s honor and her love for them.

Thompson was serving for the second time as state senator. She first served from 2012 to 2016 and returned to Tallahassee as senator in 2022 (for District 15 which includes parts of Orange County.) Prior to that, she served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006-2012 and again from 2018-2022 (District 44). (At the time, she became the first woman, first Democrat and first person of color to serve that district, according to reports.)

She is known for her work in helping to establish the Wells’ Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando, highlighting the many Black pioneers in the state. Around Orange County, she, along other elected officials sponsored festivals to commemorate Black History Month and Juneteenth, to name a few. Reports say Thompson, a champion for Education, fought hard to make sure history was taught and taught correctly throughout the state. “As Chairman of the Florida Museum of Black History’s Taskforce, she labored to create a permanent institution dedicated to telling the rich and untold stories of African Americans contributions,” according to an obituary posted online.

Thompson’s services are being handled by Mitchell’s Funeral Home, 501 Fairvilla Road, Orlando, FL 32808. In lieu of flowers and food, the family is requesting donations to WellsBuilt.org.

Our prayers go out to her family, especially her husband of 54 years, Judge Emerson Thompson II and children, Laurise Ann Thomas, Elizabeth Ruth Grace and Emerson Thompson III. God’s comfort and peace now and always.