Glenda Bernice (Goodson) Thompson

Bernice (Goodson) Thompson, 87 years old, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 23, 2023.

She was a faithful ministry partner with her late husband, Rev. Charles Thompson.  They began their ministry with the Methodist Church, where they served at various congregations for 17 years. 

They then started Jesus is Lord Ministries, through which Charles served as an evangelist, during the ensuing 38 years.

They traveled extensively – in Arkansas and throughout the Southeastern United States – ministering in churches, at city-wide meetings and tent revivals.  They also participated in several foreign mission trips.

Bernice spent her final days in her home of almost 30 years, lovingly cared for by her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Kevin Thompson and his wife Melissa, of Heber Springs; 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Charles, she was preceded in death by one son, Tommy Thompson; and one daughter, Glenda Thompson Ruffin.

She was born in Black Oak, Arkansas. She was the last surviving child of 12 children born to the late John and Laura Goodson, who resided at Black Oak and later at Needham, Arkansas.

She was surely the type of woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend of whom the writer of Proverbs 31 wrote:

A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks..
She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

In lieu of flowers, the family that memorial gifts can be made to:  Kevin and Melissa Thompson, 402 Rainbow Road, Heber Springs AR, 72543.

The Memorial Service is 1:00 PM, Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Connection Church in Heber Springs.

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