Mary Thompson

ROSEMARY GAMMON-THOMPSON, affectionately known to all as
“MARY,” was born on July 26, 1952, in Coahoma, Mississippi, to the
late Ivory Gammon and Ella Lee. At the tender age of two, she moved
to Chicago, IL, where she was lovingly raised by her mother and father,
Essie and Willie Sherden, along with her grandmother, Rosie Lee Mapkin.
Mary was blessed to have her first son. Later, she met and married David
Thompson, and from this union, three other children were born.
Mary was a woman who lived life in full color. She was a sharp dresser who
was often seen in six-inch heels, shoes that only she could step in, with a
long wig that swung from side to side each time she turned her head and a
personality that lit up any room she entered.
Mary had a huge loving heart. She would often open her doors and her
heart to others. She worked faithfully in home health care as well as at
Potash Brothers Grocery Store where she built a reputation as a committed
and dependable employee. She loved music of all kinds, but her all-time
favorite was “Purple Rain” by Prince, which reflected her vibrant and
unforgettable personality. She loved dancing and would stay on the dance
floor until the last song was played and Suzy came out.
Raised with southern roots, Mary had her own unique way of speaking
that left you in laughter. Her favorite greeting was “how you dur’rin?” She
cherished her family and her great-grandchildren who held a special place
in her heart. She and her big sister were thick as thieves, sharing a closeness
that could never be broken, yet she also maintained a special love and bond
with all of her other siblings.
Mary accepted Christ at an early age. She later joined and faithfully
served as a member of St. Mark International Christian Church under the
leadership of her nephew, Pastor Andre Thurmon, Sr. She could be found
every Thursday in Bible class and every Sunday in worship.
On September 7, 2025, the Lord called Mary home to eternal rest. She was
preceded in death by her parents; grandmother; son, David Thompson, Jr.;
brother, Eddie Lee Sherden; and godsister, Connie Carlisle.
Mary leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Timothy Gammon
(Lissette), Victoria Thompson-Boyce (Tony), Antoinette Carlisle (Carl
Jr.), and a grandson whom she raised as a son, Travis Thompson (Kristen);
thirteen grandchildren, Pooh Pooh, Tania, BT, Alvin, Teesa, ManMan,
Tone Tone, Cierra, Tierra, Danielle, Travis, Lil Man, and Lil Dave; and 30
great-grandchildren and one precious great-great-grandchild.
She is also survived by her sisters, Ernestine Thurmon, Georgia Sherden,
Dean Tate, and Bobbie Anderson; brothers, Willie Sherden and Sylvester
Sherden; cousin, Asaline Luckett; godsisters, Yolanda Scott and Lena;
goddaughters, Shag and Pam; godsons, Mikey, Britt, Meathead, and Alvin;
along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her
dearly.
Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice knowing that Mary is now clothed
in glory, walking streets of gold with the same stride that turned heads here
on earth. She has fought a good fight, finished her course, and kept the
faith.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Thompson, please visit our floral store.