Updated 12/19/2012 – Bernard Marshall Thompson Sr. was born on Oct. 6, 1948 in Baltimore, Md. to the late James and Janet Thompson. On Dec. 11, 2012 he peacefully transitioned with his wife Rosa by his side. Bernie, as he was affectionately known, lived his life to fullest and always was the life of the party and at family gatherings. Bernie was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and graduated from Carver Vocational Technical High School as a masonry major.
On Feb. 11, 1967 Bernie married his beloved Rosa. This union has lasted for forty-five years. Let it be said that their love has stood the test of time. He was the proud father of six children.
He began his professional career at Commercial Credit Corporation and was promoted several times because of his excellent leadership abilities. He ended his corporate career as the senior manager of facilities operations for Commercial Credit Corporation.
Bernie was an incredibly wise man who had a passion to become an entrepreneur. Out of this passion the following businesses were started; B&T Exterminating, TP Electronics and finally Sheppard Electronics (which was named after his mother). In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, hunting deer and spending time with his beloved Rosa. Bernie was a very supportive father and husband.
Bernie met Jesus as his personal Savior while attending Praise Chapel Ministries, Baltimore in 1995 under the leadership of Pastor Jesse Knox. He served in the transportation ministry while a member of that ministry. In 2005 when his son Derren announced that he would be starting a ministry in Edgewood, Md., Bernie was the first member to join. While at More Than Conquerors Worship Center, he served as media director, usher, praise team member and special assistant to his pastor.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Rosa, five sons, Bernard Jr., Mychael Sr.( Nisha), Derren Sr. (Chalon), Terrance Sr. (Carla), Troy Sr.( Jalina) and one daughter Tanera ( Sean); four sisters, Claudia (Paul), Saundra, Janet (Harold) and Lavenia (Theodore); two brothers James (Lynette), Herbert and a sister-in-law Kathy; fifteen grandchildren Nakita, Candace, Mychael Jr., Mykai, Derren Jr., Darius, Terrance Jr., Daquan, Carlos, Antoinette, D’Aysa, Sean Jr., Troy Jr., and due-any-day baby Tory and a host of relatives and great friends. Bernie had a special love for his siblings and enjoyed talking on the phone with each of them while watching Survivor and Big Brother.
He was preceded in death by three brothers George, Robert and Frank.
Services began with a viewing from 3 to 6 p.m., on Dec. 16 at Howell Funeral Home, 3331 Brehms Lane, Baltimore. Family hour was held from 10 to 11 a.m., Dec. 17 at New Creation Christian Church, 5401 Frankford Ave. where Apostle A. Bryant Claxton is pastor.
The Rev. Derren A. Thompson Sr., pastor of More Than Conquerors Worship Center in Edgewood, Md., was the celebrant at the services for his father.