Bettie Lee Thompson

Celebrating the Life of Bettie Lee Thompson

With joyful tears and deep love, we celebrate the beautiful life of Bettie Lee Thompson. She was born on January 14, 1932, in Greenwood, Mississippi, to Madison Hudson Sr. and Ellen Hudson. She was the eldest of five children. Her parents preceded her in death, along with two of her siblings, Alfred Allen and Madison Hudson Jr.

Bettie attended Forestville Elementary School and DuSable High School in Chicago, Illinois. After high school, she spent time assisting her father in the family business.

On July 18, 1953, Bettie married her childhood sweetheart, Donaldson Thompson (who preceded her in death on September 10, 1988). To this union, three children were born: Lance Sr., Lisa, and De’Brina. Bettie was a military bride for nine years. During this time, she and her husband traveled abroad and throughout the United States before returning home to Chicago to settle down and raise their family.

Bettie accepted Christ at a young age under the leadership of her father, Minister Madison Hudson Sr. She was rooted in her faith and raised her children in the church.

Bettie loved serving her community. She worked as a Precinct Captain at her neighborhood polling place on Election Day and volunteered at her church and her children’s schools. Over the years, she also worked at First National Bank, Swift Meat Packing Company, and as a home healthcare worker.

After retiring from the workforce, Bettie ran a home daycare service that began with her oldest grandchild, Teesa, and continued for more than 30 years. She was there to support the working families of neighbors, friends, and relatives by providing safe, reliable, and loving childcare.

Bettie was a mother, second mother, and grandmother to many. One thing’s for sure – her nephews and nieces did not play when it came to their aunt Bettie. The love each and every one of them exuded for her was immeasurable. She shared a special bond with each of them.

Bettie welcomed everyone into her home with love and open arms. If you needed a place to stay, a good meal, or simply a cup of coffee and a heartfelt conversation at the kitchen table, you knew you could count on her. Whenever someone was in need, her door was always open. She was never biased, nor was she one to judge. She had a heart of gold, but she was also a no-nonsense woman.

Bettie told you like it was—whether you were family or not. One of her favorite sayings when her children tried to outsmart her was, “Let me tell you one thing. I’m your mama, you’re not mine!” Every now and then, she had to remind her children exactly who was in charge.

Bettie loved gardening, painting murals, playing bingo, trying her luck at the casino, house gatherings, music, dancing, and family vacations. Anytime the car was rolling, Bettie was riding.

And just know this—Bettie was the best backseat driver around! She stayed awake, made sure you were doing the speed limit, and always made sure you had plenty of gas.

Bettie’s greatest joy in life was being surrounded by her family. In 2025, at the age of 93, she took a memorable road trip with her children and grandchildren from Chicago to Houston, Texas, for her family reunion, where she was recognized as the family matriarch. The highlight of the trip was reconnecting with family members and sightseeing from the top of a double-decker bus for the very first time. During the tour, the bus driver even acknowledged Bettie as her special guest.

Bettie lived an active life until her health began to decline four months ago. On Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 11:26 a.m., the Lord peacefully called her home while she was surrounded by her loved ones.

The family extends a special and heartfelt thank-you to her home health nurse, Pamela, for more than 10 years of excellent care; her granddaughter Lonyé, for being a loving caregiver for her grandmother for more than 14 years; her niece and private nurse, Kimberly, who checked on her daily as her health began to decline; and Nana’s special girl, her great-niece Kason, who never missed a beat and was always there for her.

Bettie’s light will continue to shine brightly through the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: three children, Lance Sr. (Valita), Lisa, and De’Brina; seven grandchildren, La’Teesa (Damion), Lance Jr. (Dr. Cherise), Dionté, La’Nitra (Darius Sr.), Ryan Sr., Lonyé, and Warren II; eleven great-grandchildren, Ja’Mari, Lance III, Ryan Jr., Aidan, Bryson, Isaiah, Journi, Ethan, Fabian, Darius Jr., and Aaliyah; one bonus granddaughter Desiree; four bonus great-grandchildren, Damion, Daonte, Kenny, Mõnee and Josiah; one sister, Freddie Mae; one brother, Kenneth; one sister-in-law, Constance; godson/cousin Elder Willie and a host of other relatives, loved ones, and friends. Bettie also shared special and enduring bonds with Carolyn and Herb, who remained cherished parts of her life and family throughout the years.

Though Bettie will be deeply missed, the love she gave, the lessons she taught, the laughter she shared, and the countless lives she touched will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Her life was a blessing. Her love was a gift. Her legacy will live on through generations.

Organ Prelude Organist

Processional Family

Prayer Elder Willie Miller

Scripture Pastor Bryan Hurt

Musical Selection KB Evans

Acknowledgements/Resolutions Junichia Johnson

Family Tributes – 2 Minute Limit Family

Remarks – 2 Minute Limit Friends

Obituary Junichia Johnson

Musical Selection Pastor Fred Dubose

Eulogy Pastor Bryan Hurt

Musical Selection KB Evans

Final Viewing All

Benediction Pastor Bryan Hurt

Recessional Family