Obituary for John Louis Thompkins | July 30, 2024

Trustee John Louis Thompkins was born on October 24, 1942 in McCormick, South Carolina, the first child of Presley and Mary Louise Scott. He departed this earthly life peacefully on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at his residence in McCormick, with his loving wife and daughter by his side.

John was raised by his grandparents and attended the public schools of McCormick, where he attended W.S. Mims High School. After moving to Detroit, Michigan with his mother, stepfather George Alexander, and brother, he graduated from Northwestern High School. John and his brother quickly adjusted to city life, where he mingled with his new younger siblings.

John’s uncle was an interior designer in Detroit and took John under his wing to teach him to paint. He soon mastered the craft and became exceptionally good and meticulous at painting. There was never a spot left unfinished or a drop of paint left after a painting job was completed. He also enjoyed woodworking, building birdhouses, dog houses, and teaching his younger daughter the art of wood carving, which she used to make useful decorations for her home.

At a young age, John joined Holy Springs Baptist Church in McCormick. As a young adult, John joined II Corinthians Baptist Church in Detroit, where he enjoyed singing in the choir. On May 14, 1966, John tied the knot with the love of his life, Peggy Ann Williams, at Carters Metropolitan AME Church. They had two children. After moving to McCormick, he joined Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, where he was an active member of the gospel choir, chairman of the board of trustees, and usher board.

John was employed by the Chrysler Automotive Company where he volunteered and learned various roles within the company. While at Chrysler, he was active in the UAW union where he helped negotiate the rights of his co-workers. Even after moving back to South Carolina, he stayed in touch with many of his co-workers. His love for God never waned, even when he worked the 3rd shift. When he came home from the night shift, he would put on his usher uniform and drive his family to church so they could gather as a family. He retired after 31 years of dedicated service to Chrysler, blessed with good health.

In 1997, John and his family moved to Savannah Lakes, McCormick, South Carolina, where they enjoyed getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. He and Peggy enjoyed dancing together and were fortunate to travel and make new friends along the way. Much of John’s family still lived in McCormick, so it was easier for them to settle in. He loved his family very much and was always willing to help where needed, always offering his help with humor. During his illness, he never complained, but always made others laugh. He will be missed by all who loved and knew him.

John was preceded in death by his brothers James, Lamarr, Donald, Mark Thompkins, Vincent and Otis Alexander.

John’s memories will be cherished forever by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Peggy A. Thompkins; his daughter Chanetta Thompkins of McCormick, SC; and his son Raynell Thompkins of Detroit, MI; his granddaughter Zoi Thompkins of Detroit, MI; his brother Jerome Alexander of McCormick; his sisters Rosa (Anthony) Quarles of McCormick, SC, Vanessa (Marion) Lynch, Ernestine Thompkins, Marie (David) Greer, all of Detroit, MI; a host of nephews, nieces and other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom share the family’s sorrow at his passing but rejoice that he is now with the Lord.

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