Mother Pecola Thompson

The Seasons of Life of Mother Pecola Thompson

Spring
The spring of Pecola Matsey’s life began on May 9, 1930 in Matthews, Alabama (in Montgomery County). She was the only child of Pearl Tally and Willie Matsey. Pecola was raised with her mother and sister, Ruby Pearl (who passed away at the age of 4), and she had ten other siblings that Willie fathered. At the age of six, during the spring of her life, she accepted Christ when she came off the Mourners’ Bench shouting and praising the Lord. She was baptized and displayed a determination to live for Jesus. Pecola loved to sing in the choir and attend Sunday School. Her mother was the Sunday School Superintendent.

At age 14, she left school and accompanied her mother to Oakridge, Tennessee to become a domestic worker for the Manhattan Project, which made the atomic bomb. A very industrious young woman, her springtime vocation as a Nanny started in Knoxville, Tennessee where she worked for a physician and his family, followed by a move to St. Louis, Missouri.

Summer
Pecola’s season changed in 1948 at the age of 18, when she boarded a bus bound for California. She decided to stop in Saginaw, Michigan to visit her uncle Ollie Adams and his daughter, Christine. Pecola’s journey to California ended in Saginaw where she met M.T. Thompson at Mama Hattie Smith’s Boarding House. He was dazzled by her charm, grace, and beauty and asked her out three times before she finally decided to have dinner with him. They met in March, began dating in April, and married September 15, 1950.

~Thus, began the M.T. and Pecola Thompson legacy.~

Their legacy includes five sons: Leon Warren (Muscle Shoals, Alabama), Judge M.T. Thompson, Jr. (Ivory), Saginaw; Rev. Dr. Billy Ray Thompson (Rev. Dr. Tracy), of Southfield, Michigan; Myron Thompson (Tiffany), and Randy, both of Saginaw; three daughters, Bessie McDole, Phyllis Sharper, and Dr. Gwendolyn McMillon (Rev. Dr. Vincent D. McMillon), all of Saginaw, Goddaughter: Ola (James) McMillan.

Pecola’s grandchildren were her joy and delight. She was blessed with 29 grandchildren, 71 great grandchildren, and 17 great-great grandchildren.

Pecola’s home was filled with love and her hands were never idle. She was the heart of her husband and her children called her blessed. She worked at several establishments in Saginaw to help support her family, including: Southway Restaurant, Clark’s Store, KMart, YMCA, and Buena Vista School District. She loved working, especially at Ricker Middle School, where she was a surrogate mother for her co-workers, and grandmother for the students. Mrs. Thompson freely gave what she had to provide for the least of these, and that love extended throughout her home, neighborhood, work, and church.

In 1962, Rev. M.T. Thompson was called to pastor the New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. First Lady Pecola Thompson joyfully embraced the New Mount Calvary family. A consummate helpmate, she supported her husband in every facet of the ministry. She served as Youth Director and Sunday School teacher for many years, and organized the Willing Workers (Helps Ministry) and the Busy Bees Children’s Ministry. First Lady Pecola also sang in the choir, served on the first Nurse’s Guild, and faithfully participated in the Missionary Society. She was known for producing exceptional dramatic skits and organizing creative special event.

First Lady Thompson was a fashionable, classy dresser and had a stylish hat for every outfit. She was a trend setter and role model to the young ladies in the church and community. First Lady Thompson valued education and set the example for her family by returning to graduate high school from Saginaw Adult Education in 1977. She also took several courses at Delta College.

Autumn
Just as leaves falling from the tree signals the end of Summer and beginning of Autumn, Lady Thompson’s Autumn began when she became a widow at the age of 56. She remained faithful to God and New Mount Calvary, even after the passing of her husband May 7, 1987.

In this season, Sister Thompson lovingly welcomed the new pastor and wife, Rev. R.E. and Melba Donald, and helped the congregation through their Season of Mourning. She established the Rev. M.T. Thompson Memorial Scholarship and spearheaded many fundraising drives to support New Mount Calvary High School graduates. To date, over $10,000 has been awarded to deserving students.


Winter
Winter days are often dark and gloomy. Mother Thompson’s winter began with the loss of her grandson, Myron Duane Ray in 2001. Although this was a sad time, she was encouraged by her faith in God and the support of a loving family and church family. She retired from Buena Vista School District in 2001, after more than 20 years of service. Once again manifesting the resilience displayed throughout her journey, Mother Thompson made the decision “I Ain’t Go Let Nobody Steal My Joy” and continued to serve the Lord. She was blessed to see several generations of families grow up at New Mount Calvary, and she had a special relationship with each generation. Mother Thompson participated in the retirement of Pastor & First Lady Robert Donald, and lovingly welcomed Pastor A.J. & First Lady Simone Harris. She adored them and shared many words of encouragement. She remained faithful to her New Mount Calvary Church Family until her health failed her. They continued to shower her with love, honor, and respect throughout her Seasons of Life.

Mother Thompson was the Mighty Matriarch of the Thompson Family. Even in her Winter Season, they could rely on her to be at every function (birthday party, concert, graduation, competition, program, and installation). She was the caregiver for many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home was a haven whenever a family member needed a place to stay. She cherished her friends, especially her best friend, Helen Ross, who accompanied her through her Summer, Autumn, and Winter Seasons of Life.

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2021, surrounded by family praising and worshipping God, Mother Pecola Thompson closed her eyes to the love shown in this world and opened them to God’s Love in eternity to behold the One who wipes all tears away. Her wintry nights turned into sunny days.

God has made everything beautiful in His time!