Marilyn Betty (DeGraftenreed) Thompson

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.Revelation 21:4

       Life’s Reflection

Marilyn, Loving Called “Betty, was born July 23, 1939, to Rev. Jessie and Effie DeGraftenreed.  She was the 9th of ten kids born to this union.  Betty attended the Local Kansas City, Kansas Schools, land was a proud member of Sumner High School’s “Class of 1957.  She went on to obtain a Masters Degree from Avila University.

Betty accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age under the leadership of her father Jessie E. DeGraftenreed Sr… She went on to be a lifelong member of Youngs Memorial C.O.G.I.G. until her health began to fail, even then, she knew to always call on the Lord!

Betty had several endeavors, which include Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Services, and Kansas School For The Blind, before her final position with Juniper Gardens Children’s Project, where she retired in July 2010.

Betty got married in 1957, she soon welcomed three children.  She got a second chance at love when she met Joe Arthur Eldridge, of Dumas, Arkansas.  The two had a Common Law Union and welcomed two daughters.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; all of her siblings; son Richard; daughter, Jolece “Lisa”; two special grandsons who she loved dearly, Gary “Jonsey” and Nathan “Bucket”.  

Betty leaves to cherish her memories, one son, Garvin Thompson Sr. of the home; two daughters, Sharilyn of Lawrence, Kansas; and Glynda of Kansas City, Kansas; granddaughters, Renee; Jamicia; and Lasheia of Kansas City, Kansas; De’Ja, of Lawrence, Kansas; grandsons, Jason; Domonique; Eric; Garvin Jr.; two great-granddaughters, Victoria; and Lotoria-Betty of Kansas City, Kansas; who she raised as her own.  A very loving devoted granddaughter, Nicole Mills of the home; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and relatives.  

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