"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7

Ethel Viola Thompson was born on August 22, 1946, in Hopewell, Virginia, to the late Annie Frozene Perry. Raised in a loving family and grounded in faith, Ethel developed a warm spirit, compassionate heart, and vibrant personality that would become the hallmark of her life. She
embraced every opportunity to serve others, build meaningful relationships, and create lasting memories with those she loved.

At an early age, Ethel accepted Christ as her Savior and united with Union Baptist Church. Her faith remained the foundation of her life. As an active and dedicated member, she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and faithfully participated in various ministries. Her love for God
was evident not only in her words but also in the way she cared for and encouraged others.

Ethel attended school in Prince George County, Virginia, and later earned her GED. Determined to build a career helping others, she obtained her nursing certification and dedicated many years of caring for patients at John Randolph Hospital and Nursing Home. She possessed a natural gift for caregiving and found great fulfillment in serving others, especially senior citizens. Following a rewarding career marked by compassion and dedication, she retired in 1994.

Known for her outgoing personality and joyful spirit, Ethel was truly a social butterfly. She loved people and never met a stranger. Her presence could brighten any room, and she enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and her community. She was an active member of Radiant Temple #1200 in Hopewell, Virginia, where she faithfully served as Financial Reporter for many years until her health declined. She was also a proud member of the Red Hatters and enjoyed the fellowship and friendships the organization provided.

Ethel had a passion for sports and competition. She loved watching tennis, football, and basketball and enthusiastically participated in the Senior Olympics, where she earned several medals. Whether cheering from the sidelines or competing herself, she approached life with energy, determination, and enthusiasm.

Family was the center of Ethel's world. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. Affectionately known as "Mom", "99", "GiGi", "Auntie", "Cuz", "Ms. Thompson", she was loved by many and served as a mother figure to countless individuals beyond her immediate family. In 2026, she was proudly inducted as an honorary member of her daughter's bike club, the Metro City Slingers. The group lovingly gave her the handle "Sugarfoot", a name she wore with pride as she quickly became a beloved part of their family.

Surrounded by the love of her family, Ethel peacefully transitioned from earth to eternity on Monday, June 22, 2026. She spent her final days in the home of her devoted daughter, Tamara, and son-in-law, Daryl, in Columbia, South Carolina, where she was lovingly cared for with unwavering devotion. Ethel found great joy in being surrounded by family, especially her great- grandchildren, Brayden and Jiyah, whose smiles brought happiness to her heart.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Warner Thompson; her son, Leon Mason; her mother, Annie Frozene Perry; her sisters, Lillian Taylor and Valerie McDougal; and her brother, Luther Perry.

Left to cherish her precious memories are her loving children, Tamara Shamlee (Daryl), Kenyetta Mason, and Darryl Mason; bonus sons, Shawn Thompson, Cory Thompson, and Kevin Thompson; and bonus daughter, Romaine Thompson. She also leaves behind her sisters, Evelyn Perry and Carol Gilyard (Roy); her brother, Kevin McKiever; nine beloved grandchildren; eleven treasured great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends.

Among those who held a special place in her heart were her devoted friends, Stephanie Green and Patricia Bell, who faithfully traveled to visit her wherever she lived, and Levon Randolph, whose kindness and support meant so much after her move to South Carolina.

Ethel's life was a beautiful testament to faith, love, service, and family. Her infectious smile, caring heart, and joyful spirit touched countless lives and created memories that will be cherished forever. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love will continue to live on through all who knew and loved her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." – Matthew 25:23

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, July 3, 2026, at Union Baptist Church, 212 Rev. C. W. Harris Street, Hopewell, VA, the Rev. Dr. Leroy Mashore, Jr., Pastor, eulogist.

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/6031188?fl=so&fe=fs