Mr. Herman "Elliott" Thompson

Celebrating the Life of Mr. Herman Elliott Thompson: as you take a moment today to read what is often known as an obituary – we realize Elliott, born June 26, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan lived a very full and dedicated life. This child, only child of Inez T. Carter and oldest child of Charles Robertson, touched many through his heartfelt belief that “God ordered his footsteps.” Elliott was educated in Detroit’s Public School system, graduating from Pershing High School in June 1949 after growing up on Charest Street. Directly after graduating high school he was drafted in 1950 by the United States Army as a First Private in the Korean War, serving both the 839th EAB and in 1952 the Special Training 101st ABN-Division. During his years of service he was honored with the Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. On October 15, 1953, he was promoted to rank of Corporal – serving until receiving an honorable discharge in 1954. On April 27, 1957, Elliott was united in holy matrimony to Barbara Delores Jemison. To this union was born two daughters, Deborah Angela and Denise Anita. Elliott attended an electronics school in downtown Detroit, completed classes at Wayne State University and later went to school at Ford Motor Company where he earned his Journeymen’s Plumber License. Elliott was one of the first African American plumbers admitted into the union at Ford Motor Company, serving as a dedicated employee for 35 years until retiring in 1984. Toward his family and children he was a devoted father who imparted much wisdom and life-long learning. His family knew his philosophy about money, “When you work give God ten percent; pay a percentage to yourself and then pay your bills.” When his daughters were young and earned their allowance, he instructed them to first give money to the church and then save some in their credit union accounts. From time to time, Elliott would inspect their savings account books, making sure they were doing as they had been advised to do. As a devout Christian, christened at an early age at Vernon Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church on Detroit’s northeast side, he continued to serve in the role of Finance Committee Trustee and accepted responsibility for Vernon Chapel’s Transportation Ministry. His concern regarding young people was expressed by teaching in Sunday school though not realizing all the young males he taught would graduate from college. After many decades he joined Corinthian Baptist Church (Hamtramck) and was baptized. There he was a devoted member, enjoying weekly Bible study, the fellowship he experienced with his immediate family and extended family in the church. Because he loved helping people, he would insure kids had college books so that their education was not interrupted. In this same vain he was a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Consistently as each day ended, he always thought living meant working five days and attending church and resting on Sunday. He felt that if God gave him life – he could give service to Him on Sunday. Elliott was an extreme car enthusiast, tinkering with endless models or a friend’s if they would let him see under the hood. He enjoyed working on cars, driving any model and if you came by with a new auto he would not hesitate to ask if he could drive your car. In an effort to explain why car maintenance was so important, he would provide a spiral notebook to people with whom he interacted - taking time to insure they understood each lesson so they would be able to keep track of their automobile repairs. Elliott enjoyed explaining cars to others, ultimately teaching Deborah and Denise how to change their car oil. His car enthusiasm boiled over every August as a constant joyful attendee to the Woodward Dream Cruise. Beyond cars he maintained his high spirit for bowling earning many trophies and one year bowling a PERFECT GAME; he took up golfing and ultimately began an extensive exercise-health routine. Of course, this was probably because in 1960 he heeded his doctor’s advice. In his usual manner he learned everything about best ways to cook, bake, eat and create healthy menus. *In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer a donation made in honor of Ellliott to the Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R., Detroit, MI 48201

Mr. Herman "Elliott" Thompson

June 26, 1931 - November 30, 2013