Deborah Thompson

Deborah Marie Thompson was born on November 2, 1960, in Denver, Colorado to her parents, Lumus Thompson, Jr. and Juanita Joyce Schmidt. She was the eldest sibling of 7. Being the eldest child, Deborah was always making sure that her siblings were taken care of, always mothering them in every way. Deborah received some of her early education from Columbine Elementary and Kunsmiller Middle School in Colorado. During middle school, she moved to California where she attended El Camino High ultimately graduating from Claremont High in California. During high school, Deborah did some modeling. She went on to further her education by attending several years at Cañada College where she studied nursing. During her time in California, she met Arnold Thomas with whom she welcomed her eldest son, Rafiel, into the world. After she had her first child, Deborah devoted herself to making sure that he was taken care of. She would keep a job and go to school so that she could better her family. Rafiel remembers when he was younger Deborah decided she was going to teach him how to drive. She would tell him as he was driving, "You have to whip it and stick it." To this day, he hears that in his head. After several years, Deborah decided to move back to Colorado where she met Joe Matthews and welcomed her youngest child, Dominique. As with her oldest, she was a provider but the relationship with Dominique was one of the "super protective" mama bear. Dominique remembers her teaching him how to ride his bike. Each time he fell she was there to pick him up and encourage him to keep trying. In 1999, Deborah received her most cherished blessing, her grandchild, Salia. Salia can remember her grandma telling her, "Now baby call me auntie when we are in the grocery store," forgetting that 4-year old's don't always remember everything you tell them. By profession Deborah worked as a caregiver taking care of the disabled, elderly and the mentally challenged. She worked in various nursing facilities and always strived for perfection. Deborah was taught at an early age to love the Lord. Her grandmother would keep all the children involved in different activities within the church one of which being the choir that Deborah loved. One of her favorite songs was "Take Me to the King" by Tamela Mann. Prior to her passing Deborah was a member of Friendship Baptist Church of Christ Jesus in Denver, under the leadership of Pastor Paul Burleson. In her free time, Deborah enjoyed horseback riding, going on hikes in the mountains with her family, swimming, and watching movies. She loved just being out in nature with the animals and peaceful sounds. Deborah was a mentor and spiritual advisor to many. If she knew that you needed some encouragement, she would be there to give it whether she you knew you or not. If she had it she was willing to share. When she walked in a room she was the life of the party. She knew how to enjoy herself and not care about what anybody thought. Deborah was preceded in death by her father, Lumus Thompson, Jr. Deborah Marie Thompson, aged 56, passed on March 21, 2017, at home in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss are her two sons, Rafiel D. (Shana Pace) Thomas and Dominique N. Matthews both of Denver; 5 sisters, Elizabeth Thompson of Pueblo, CO, Renee (Don) Riggs of Aurora, CO, Kim Thompson of California, Jerrie Thompson and Amanda Thompson both of Los Angeles, CA and 1 brother, Steven Thompson of Denver, CO; her grandchildren Salia R. Thomas, Laila Courtney, Hafsa Locke, Edris Russel, Es'Jior Russel, Amiyah Brown, Elias D. Thomas, Jaden, J'dah and J'Lah; a host of nieces and nephews, a number of other relatives, and close friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 3/30/2017 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 3/31/2017 at 11:00 AM - Friendship Baptist Church of Christ Jesus - 880 Fairfax Street, Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 3/31/2017 - Friendship Baptist Church of Christ Jesus - 880 Fairfax Street, Denver, CO