Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

THOMPSON

Alexander

Charleston

Crittle

Hudson

McCarthy

Parker

Ratney

Robison

SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – January 12, 2002

Araby Thompson

Aug. 11, 1916 - Jan. 9, 2002

Mrs. Araby Thompson was born to the union of John and Laurinda Ratney on August 11, 1916, in Aniston, Alabama. She confessed Christ at the early age of twelve and was baptized at Trinity Baptist Church, Gary, Indiana, under the pastorage of Rev. Coleman.

Mrs. Thompson graduated from Pulaski High School in Gary, Indiana.

Mrs. Thompson moved to Chicago as an adult and worked for the Board of Education for forty years, retiring in October 1985.

In 1950 she joined the 44th Street Baptist church under the pastorage of the late Rev. Elijah Thurston. She served on the usher board under the presidency of Mr. Milton Carter and John Tuck. She also served as a mothers helper under the presidency of Callie Davis and as a member of Mission II under sister Thelma Beech. Mrs. Thompson was a primary Sunday school teacher and completed Christian Education classes that was taught by Rev. Charles Jones being the president of the graduating class. Mrs. Thompson was also a student of Moody Bible Institute and the Ruth Thurston Institute on Biblical Studies. Mrs. Thompson was faithful under three generations of Pastors including the late Rev. John L. Thurston and her present pastor Rev. Stephen J. Thurston.

In the early 1950's Araby met and married the love of her life, Odis Thompson who preceded her in death on September 2, 2000.

God called Sister Araby home on Wednesday, January 9, 2002, at 1:15 p.m.

She leaves to cherish loving memories, three daughters, Marie (James) Robison of South Bend, In, Phyllis (Allen) Charleston of Chicago, Ill., and Signe' Alexander of Oak Park, Ill.; a stepdaughter, Betty Parker of Chicago, Ill; two sons, Oliver (Rise') Ratney of Gary, Ind., and Ishmeal Crittle of Chicago, IL; fourteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends and her special friends, Dorothy Hudson and Maxine McCarthy.

Services will be at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, January 13, 2002 in New Covenant M.B. Church, 740 E. 77th Street, Chicago, with Reverend Stephen J. Thurston, pastor, officiating. Friends may call from 3 p.m. until time of services.

The Calahan Funeral Home, Chicago, is handling arrangements.