Mr. Miracle Thompson

Miracle “Mike” Thompson was born March 29, 1947 on the Oakwood Bayou in Dumas, Arkansas. He was born from the union of Bennie Thompson, Jr. and Maple Lee Norman, who preceded him in death. Miracle was delivered by his great aunt Daisy Chandler who was the local mid-wife. Miracle was often asked “ Were you a Miracle baby?” He was quick to tell the story of how he got his name, “My mother wanted to name me Michael, but the mid-wife spelled it Miracle, it’s just that simple.” Michael was surprised to find out his legal name was Miracle after applying for his first driver’s license at the age 16. Most people refer to him as Michael or “Mike”. The Thompson family relocated to Detroit, Michigan when Mike was a toddler. He is a proud product of the Detroit Public School System, attending Nichols Elementary, Barbour Middle, and Eastern High School class of 1965. He regularly attended their alumni picnics and enjoyed fellowship time with his classmates. Mike was a hard working youngster with an enterprising spirit. He started a paper route at age 9, but even at this young age, he realized offering extra services like taking the trash to the curb and running errands to the grocery store would garner him appreciation in the form of hefty tips and bonuses, especially during the holiday seasons. Mike worked at Chrysler for six years before starting a career at Detroit Edison, where he worked for 31 years before retiring in 2013. During his career at Edison, he attended the UAW Machine Repair Apprentice Program and earned his journeyman card in 1980. His skill level, coupled with perfect attendance and a high work ethic, made him the ideal candidate for his position as a Machine Maintenance Reliability Supervisor. Mike’s hobbies included reading black history books, listening to talk radio and jazz music, watching movies, and shopping. He was always impeccably dressed, and over the years developed an impressive wardrobe. On August 15, 1998, Mike met Barbara Beaty at the Elks lounge in Highland Park, MI., when “a dance turned into romance”. They dated for ten years before they married on January 21, 2008 (MLK day), in a small ceremony at Barbara’s home on the Eastside of Detroit. Through that union, Mike gained a bonus daughter, Kristina Beaty whom he fondly nicknamed “baby girl”. Mike and Barbara moved into his dream home in Brownstown, MI on August 15, 2008, where he resided for the remainder of his life. Mike loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his brother-in-law’s Dale and Garfield. He also looked forward to attending his Norman Burns Family Reunion. He felt so strongly about the importance of education, that he initiated and funded the first Norman Burns Scholarship Award, that is presented bi-annually at the family reunion. Its first award was granted in 1999. He was so proud to be recognized by his family who presented him with a plaque for his ongoing contributions to the scholarship. His plaque read “His Dream is no more, but Reality today”. Mike and Barbara continued to be strong supporters of the fund throughout the years. Miracle leaves to mourn, his wife Barbara Thompson, step-daughter Kristina Beaty, four sisters; Janet Merritt, Alva Randall, Phyllis Handy and Tonya Marbly (William), brother Vernell Morgan, five brother-in-laws; James Beaty, Morris Beaty (Marilyn), Marvin Dale Beaty (Reanell), John Beaty (Lynn), Garfield Adams and sister-in-law Carrie Butler (William) three aunts; Alma Orphey (Paul), Apple Valley, California, Bernestine Pace, Mabelvale, Arkansas, Caldonia Smith, Chicago, Illinois, and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, life long friends and co-workers. Miracle had two brothers Cleophus and DeWight Thompson who preceded him in death. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Miracle Thompson

March 29, 1947 - May 28, 2020