Mildred Jean Thompson Juniel

God saw that he needed a bright bloom to brighten the flower arrangement, so on Sunday at 2:42 p.m. at Baptist Health Medical Center. He picked Sis. Mildred Jean Thompson Juniel as the blossom and she transitioned to her heavenly home where she was welcomed by her parents, her sisters, Josie Thompson, Ruthie Mae Thompson, and Nadine Walston; her brothers, James Lee, and Henry Allen Thompson; her nephews, Kelvin James and Alvin Earl Thompson; her niece, Laurine Lavern Gibbs, and her loving granddaughter, LaYonda Reshae Jones.

She was born on September 29, 1945 and was the fourth child born to Sherman James and Bernice Thrower Thompson in Dallas County, Arkansas. During her early childhood she gave her life to Christ and joined the Mt. Gillard Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W.M. Edwards. She later moved her membership to the Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of her brother, Rev. Verna Ray Thompson, Sr. She actively served on the kitchen committee and was a mentor over the new member orientation and was always willing to lend a helping hand in any way that she was needed. She and her husband, Elmer would often make their home the spot for Sunday dinners and family gatherings. 4th of July’s for many years were celebrated at their home. 

“If I should stay, I would only be in your way. So, I’ll go but, know I’ll think of you every step of the way and just know that I’ll always love you. Bittersweet memories that is all I’m taking with me. So goodbye and please don’t cry.”

She leaves to cherish her memories with her husband of 48 years, Elmer Lee Juniel; her sons, Donald  Fitzgerald (Cynthia Kaye) Thompson of Conway, AR; Ronald Allen (Debra) Thompson of Camden, AR; Kendrick Lavell Juniel along with his special friend, Alicia Graham of Bearden, AR; one brother, Verna Ray Thompson, Sr. of Bearden, AR; one sister-in-love, Shirley Williams of Fordyce, AR; grandchildren, “the apples of her eye,” Donald Thompson, Jr., Darvin (Charmaine) Thompson, Kendrick Juniel, Jr. whom she raised as her own, Sontania (Regiana) Lawson, Kamryn Humphrey, Kristopher Jackson, Karrington & Kemorra Juniel, Litrell Jones, Jr.; her great grands that stole her whole heart, Alaysia Thompson, Kehlari Lawson, Nymire Lawson, and Chayden Payne; one uncle, John “Pete” Thrower of Fordyce, AR; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

Submitted by the family.

Pastor Dennis Juniel, Bro. Kreston Gibbs, Bro. Alvin Thompson, Jr., Deacon Verna Thompson, Jr., Bro. Robert Green, Bro. DeAndrea Flint, and Bro. Lavell Wright will serve as active pallbearers. Honorable to mention are Deacon Larry Fielder, Bro. Charles Ashley, Deacon Thomas Thrower, Minister Travis Jackson, and Deacon Leodis Nelson.

A celebration of her life will be shared at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at First Missionary Baptist Church, 701 N. Oak Street, Bearden, AR 71720, with Rev. Fred Lambert, officiant and Pastor Verna R. Thompson, Sr., eulogist. The interment will be at White Springs Community Cemetery in Bearden, Arkansas. Public visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 157 Ouachita 257 Rd., Bearden, AR 71720.