Eleanor Wheat Thompkins, 89, of Chester, Virginia, peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by love.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 49 years, Homer J. Thompkins, Jr.; her father, Willie Robert Wheat, Sr.; her mother, Mary Martin Wheat Norman; and her siblings, Willie Robert Wheat, Jr., Leroy Wheat, Leola Wheat Jones, and Elizabeth Wheat Johnson.

Eleanor was born on June 20, 1936, in Hopewell, Virginia. At the age of 13, she was baptized in the James River, marking the beginning of her lifelong walk of faith. She remained a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church of City Point until her health declined. Eleanor graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School, Class of 1954, and continued her education at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) and Virginia Union University.

Following her studies, Eleanor moved to New York, where she worked as a quotation clerk for the New York Stock Exchange. Although she found success there, her love for home led her back to Hopewell, Virginia, where she devoted her life to caring for others. She began her medical career at Central State Hospital in the occupational therapy department and later served at Southside Virginia Training Center, supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. It was there that she met Homer J. Thompkins, Jr., and they were united in marriage on December 27, 1966. From this loving union, three children were born.

Committed to professional growth, Eleanor later attended Virginia Commonwealth University/MCV, where she became a certified electroencephalogram (EEG) technician. In this role, she operated specialized equipment used to monitor brain activity and assist in diagnosing neurological conditions such as seizures, tumors, and other disorders. She served faithfully at several hospitals, including Tri-Cities Hospital (formerly John Randolph Hospital), Richmond Memorial Hospital, and St. Mary's Hospital. Even after retirement, Eleanor returned to work to help meet the continued need for EEG technicians in the Richmond area.

Eleanor often shared that, as the youngest child, she received the very best her family had to offer. She was deeply loved and supported by her husband throughout their marriage and often expressed great pride in her children, whom she said treated her like a queen.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Derek Thompkins of Newington, New Hampshire; Krystal Thompkins of Chester, Virginia; and Karrol Bates (Robert) of Petersburg, Virginia. She is also survived by her beloved grandson, Keenan Wittman of New Orleans, Louisiana; and her cherished granddaughters, Cameryn and Kenya Bates of Petersburg, Virginia.

Eleanor is also survived by her extended family: her sister-in-law, Joyce Medley of Amelia, Virginia; three nephews, Sterling Wheat (devoted) of Chesterfield, Virginia, Leonard Medley III of Smyrna, Georgia, and Eric Medley, Sr. (Janiel) of Amelia, Virginia; one niece, Michelle Medley of Richmond, Virginia; four great-nephews, Eric D. Medley of Stafford, Virginia, Jalen Medley of Amelia, Virginia, Jacobi Medley of Richmond, Virginia, and Leonard Medley IV of Smyrna, Georgia; four great-nieces, Karla Koehl (David) of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lola Cobb (Jarrel) of Suwanee, Georgia, and Janiya and Alana Medley of Amelia, Virginia; three great-great-nieces, Alexandria and Taylor Koehl of Fort Worth, Texas, and Ava Cobb of Suwanee, Georgia; along with a host of devoted cousins and dear friends.

Eleanor was beloved by all who knew her and will be remembered for her kind spirit, servant's heart, and unwavering faith. She found great joy in serving and supporting the ministries of her beloved church, First Baptist Church of City Point.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to all who provided love and care during her illness through meals, transportation, and companionship. Special thanks are extended to Rev. Rudolph Randall and the Senior Ministry of First Baptist Church of City Point; Alvin and Alice Flowers; Sterling Wheat; Carmen Malone; Terry Moore; and Colleen Washington.

A very special acknowledgment is given to her adopted children, Ozie and Renetta Bradford, who held a cherished place in her heart. The family also expresses their deepest gratitude, love, and appreciation to Rev. Jane Blue, whose compassionate care, guidance, and unwavering presence brought comfort and peace throughout Eleanor's illness.

The family further extends sincere appreciation to Gentiva Hospice Care, the medical team at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University/MCV, and the nurses and technicians at US Renal in Colonial Heights for their exceptional care and support.

Eleanor Wheat Thompkins leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion to family and community. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to her beloved church, First Baptist Church of City Point ( https://giv.li/bcukoh ), or to the American Cancer Society ( https://donate.cancer.org ).

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, April 4, 2026, at First Baptist Church of City Point, 1117 Pierce Street, Hopewell, VA, the Rev. Rudolph Randall, Pastor, and Rev. Dr. Ozie G.P. Bradford, Jr., eulogist. The interment to follow at First Baptist Church of City Point Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5839349?fl=so&fe=fs