Ms. Bertha Joan "B.J." Thompson, age 71, passed away at Testa Family Hospice House with her son by her side on Thursday, November 12, 2015. B.J. Thompson is predeceased by her parents, Kathleen Thompson Wilkins and Jones" Jack" Franklin Broadway, and one sister Jacqulyn"Jackie" Broadway Corell.
The eldest of twelve children, B.J. is survived by her brothers and sisters, Robert "Bobby" Wilkins, David Wilkins, Deborah Broadway Dudley, Dennis Wilkins, Jim Wilkins, Marletta Chyrel Broadway Richardson, Marsden Broadway Gilbert, Scott Wilkins, Susan Wilkins Ivey, and Tamala "Tammy" Broadway Buchanan; three children, Diane Lynn Champion, Sharon Lynn Champion, and Dorian Douglas Broadway; six grandchildren, Angel Nicole Champion, John Adam McKinney, Michael Blanton, Nikki Shaylynn Crawford, Tiffney Bell, and Wesley Ray Sanders; six great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog Patches.
A strong-willed and free-spirited woman, B.J. perserved no matter the challenges of life set before her. A devout bibliophile and avid gardner, her greatest passions in life were the written word and anything green that she could grow and care for. Everything she touched both bloomed and flourished. Above all else B.J. was a giving, generous and nurturing woman, acting as a mother-figure to any that wanted or needed her. She cherished her family and loved ones above all else.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 - an organization near and dear to B.J.'s heart.
A 7:00 p.m. memorial service will be held on Friday, November 20, 2015 at David Baptist Church, 2300 Baptist Church Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
Arrangements are entrusted to Robert S. Morgan, Jr. Funeral Service Licensee, LLC of Fallston.
