Dr. Katie Lee Thompson

*In lieu of flower donations to: Katie L. Thompson Family Educational Trust* Life Reflections: Dr. Katie Lee Thompson, affectionately known as Puddin, Mommy, and MaMeré, was born December 19, 1919 in Cotton Plant, AK to Garnett and Janett Cochran. She was the first of only two children born of this union. The second was her sister Frankie Mae Webb, who preceded her in death. Katie graduated from Cotton Plant Public Schools and went on to attend Philander Smith College in Little Rock, AK. Later, she met the love of her life Dick H. Thompson. They were married March 21,1943 before moving to Detroit, MI where their six children were born. After a few years as a stay-at-home mom, Girl Scout leader, Boy Scout den mother, and parent-educator, she began working for the Michigan Employment Security Commission and held other jobs before she began her long career as a math teacher with Detroit Public Schools. While all of her children were still in school, Katie returned to college to complete her undergraduate education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree the same year that Theressa, her oldest child, graduated from high school. She continued her education all the while she was working and caring for her family. Katie earned a Master's degree and a Specialist's degree in Education from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI and later earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Walden University in Naples, FL. A noteworthy accomplishment was a mathematics laboratory that she created and operated -using computer technology and games to engage students having difficulty with math. She made learning fun! Katie was raised in the church and baptized at an early age. She joined New Light Baptist Church in the mid-1950s. As a longtime member of New Light, she taught Sunday School and was chairperson for the Adult Division of Christian Education, an active member of the Good Samaritans, and Widows' Ministries. Most significantly, she was a warrior for the Lord who made certain that all of her children were grounded in the church and in Christ. She also was active in her community as well as in several professional organizations: the Underwood Block Club, National League of Women Voters, Wayne State Alumni Association, Walden University Alumni Association, and the Eta Phi Beta Sorority. Dr. Katie Lee Thompson was a phenomenal woman of many talents. With a gracious manner, soft voice and a gentle touch, she daily accomplished the impossible. At 93 years of age, she had survived the loss of her husband in 1990 and her oldest son Dick Jr. in 2001. Katie was the mother-head and role model for four generations: her children, their children, and their children's children. She was always humble, always stressing education, love of the Lord, and love of family. On Thursday, August 8, 2013 while at home surrounded by family, Katie passed peacefully and quietly onto heaven's gate.

Dr. Katie Lee Thompson

December 19, 1919 - August 8, 2013