In Loving Memory of Vera “Jean” Thompson

Jean • Jeannie Beanie • Mom • Sister T • Sis

A Life Filled With Love

Vera Jean Thompson, affectionately known to those who loved her as Jean, Jeannie Beanie, Mom, Sister T, or simply Sis, was a beautiful, stylish, loving, funny, and deeply faithful woman whose life touched so many.

Jean was born on February 25, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York, to Otis and Vera Cooper. She was the eldest of eleven children, and from an early age she embraced the responsibility and privilege of being the “Big Sister.” To many of her younger siblings, Jean was more than a sister—she was like a second Mom, always watching over them, guiding them, and helping to care for the growing Cooper family.

When Jean was seven years old, her parents moved their growing family to Uniondale, Long Island. It was a place where everybody knew The Coopers, and Jean became an important part of a large and loving family that would remain at the heart of her life.

Her Love for Jehovah

Jean was introduced to the truth of God’s Word through her beloved grandmother, affectionately known as Granny. Granny passed what she had learned to Jean’s mother, and eventually Jean came to make the truth her own.

On May 29, 1965, at just 16 years old, Jean dedicated her life to Jehovah and was baptized. Her love for Jehovah remained a constant throughout her entire lifetime.

During her spiritual career, Jean spent many years serving as a Regular Pioneer, dedicating herself to helping others learn about Jehovah and discover the hope of the real life alongside her as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her faith was not simply something she talked about—it was something she lived.

Jean’s love for Jehovah was especially evident in the way she raised her son, Derek. She instilled in him the same faith, love, and appreciation for Jehovah that had guided her own life. Derek continues to hold those precious lessons dear and stands firm in his faith today, alongside his wife, Natice. Together, Derek and Natice lovingly cared for Jean for many years, giving her the love, attention, and dignity she deserved after she relocated to Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2017.

A Woman of Style, Talent & Determination

Jean was always a stylish and sophisticated lady. Some lovingly referred to her as a Diva, and others might even say she was a little Bougie—and Jean certainly lived up to both!

She had a genuine love for beauty, fashion, and looking her best. That passion led her to study Cosmetology and Hairdressing, which became one of her professional careers.

Jean later discovered another calling that brought her tremendous joy and allowed her to help others. She became a top-ranking Mary Kay Director, leading teams of women and helping them build careers that enhanced and changed their lives. Jean had a natural ability to encourage, motivate, and bring out the best in others.

Jean Was One of a Kind

Jean loved to cook, dance, laugh, entertain, and have a good time. She had a way of taking an ordinary experience and making it extraordinary.

She should probably be given credit for creating what many would call “GLAMPING”—because when Mom went camping, she did NOT believe in roughing it!

Jean knew how to make camping feel more like a night at the Ritz-Carlton than a night in the woods. There was an electric grill, an air mattress, a porta potty, swimming shoes for the shower, and just about anything else needed to make sure everyone was comfortable.

That was Jean—she knew how to make things happen, and she knew how to make people feel good while doing it.

And then there were Jean’s unforgettable sayings. If you knew her, chances are you heard at least one of these:

“My name is Bennett and I ain’t in it!”

“Does a chicken have lips? Was Moby Dick a fish?”

“You like it, I love it!”

“You have to do what you gotta do until you can do what you wanna do!”

Jean also had some fun favorites. She could sing the entire opening song to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, loved watching The Golden Girls and Matlock, had an amazing shoe collection, and absolutely loved fashion.

Her Family Was Her Heart

At the age of 21, Jean met and married the love of her life, Herman Thompson. Together, Jean and Herman welcomed their son, Derek.

Derek would be their only child, but he was more than enough to fill their hearts with love and pride.

Although both Jean and Herman came from very large families—Herman himself being one of more than twelve siblings—family was always an important part of Jean’s life.

Jean leaves behind seven surviving siblings, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and many spiritual brothers and sisters who will miss her tremendously.

Her Beautiful Memory Lives On

Jean leaves behind much more than memories. She leaves behind lessons, laughter, faith, style, strength, wisdom, and love.

She taught those around her to keep going, to take care of what needed to be taken care of, to enjoy life, and most importantly, to love Jehovah and hold firmly to their faith.

We will miss her beautiful smile.

We will miss her humor.

We will miss her style.

We will miss her sayings.

We will miss her loyalty and friendship.

And we will miss simply having Jean here with us.

But the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the faith she shared will continue through those she leaves behind.

Vera “Jean” Thompson was truly one of a kind.

Though our hearts are heavy because we will miss her dearly, we cherish the beautiful life she lived and the wonderful memories she gave us.

Most of all, we hold firmly to the hope Jehovah gives us—the hope of seeing our loved one again when death is no more and Jehovah fulfills his promise to bring back those sleeping in death.

Until that beautiful day, Jean will remain forever in our hearts.

We love you, Jean.

We will miss you.

And we will never forget you.

Friends and loved ones are invited to share memories and express condolences at SimplyCremationOnline.com.