Cde6ration of Life for ^Mae^tHa Lbmp^ns Sunrise JipriC2S, 1928 m Sunset May 8, 2017 Saturday, May 13, 2017 11:00 AM Vnited SCouse of (Prayerfor Ad avis pCderJ. Taylor, Sr. - Pulogist Interment: (Mt. Pleasant Historic (Baptist Church Cemetery 1268 Mt. Pleasant (Rd- Chu(ton, Georgia MaeRetha Tompkins, 89, slipped away peacefully on May 8, 2017 at Glenvue Rehabilitation Center in Glennville. MaeRetha was born on April 28, 1928 to Riley Johnson and Annie Mae Mills in Bellville, Georgia. She grew up in Bellville and at- tended school in Manassas and Bay Branch. She was a faithful member of the United House of Prayer where she served in the Shout band, played the piano, and was a G Class worker. She was formerly employed at Claxton Manufacturing. She was the most excellent cook you will ever know, from baking cakes to cooking pot roasts. She married the love of her life, Robert Tompkins and to this union eight children were born. They were the love of her life. She was preceded in death by her mother, Henrietta Mills, Joe Walker, Riley Johnson, Annie Mae Mills; brothers, Randall Mills, Harry Mills, Olan Mills, Her- man Mills, Riley Mills; sisters: Cora Mikel, Vera Brown, Lessie Gross, Willie Lee Mills, Lula Mills, Beaulah Mills, Beretha Mincey; a daughter, Genevieve Cobbs; son- in-law, William Melvin; grandson, Bobby Lewis Tompkins. She leaves to cherish her moments of love, husband, Robert Tompkins of 69 years; children, Bobby (Thelma Lavern) Tompkins, Emma Melvin, Larry (Velma Raye) Tompkins, Ronnie (Gwen) Tompkins, Emory Tompkins, Ricky (Lynette) Tompkins, Stanley (Rose) Tompkins; 27 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; special caretaker, Roxanne McKever; one brother, Fletcher (Wilma) Mills; one sister, Helen Johnson; one brother-in-law, Otis (Pat) Tompkins; two sisters-in-law, MaeRetha Brown and Willie Mills; a host of nieces, A Letter from Heaven When tomorrow starts without me And Im not there to see; If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me. I wish so much you wouldnt cry The way you did today; While thinking of the many things We didnt get to say. I know how much you love me As much as I love you; And each time that you think of me, I know youll miss me too. When tomorrow starts without me. Dont think were far apart For every time you think of me, Im right there in your heart. submitted by daughter, Emma Melvin 'femce' Processional...................................Clergy & Family Opening Hymn.........................................Apostle C. Leverette Officiating Pastor...................................Apostle C. Leverette Prayer of Comfort..............................Apostle Brown Selection......................................Sons of Harmony Scripture Reading Old Testament..............................Apostle J. Mapp New Testament....................................Elder Earl Edwards Solo...........................................Jocelyn Mainer Acknowledgment of Cards, Resolutions & Reading of the Obituary...............Harpers Funeral Home Selection...............................Tompkins Grandchildren Reflections & Words of Love (2 minutes, please) As a Church Member...............................Elder Earl Edwards Tribute....................................St. Dennice Edwards Solo...........................................Bro. Kelly Mincey Eulogy.........................................Elder J. Taylor Sr. Winnsboro, SC Final Viewing Benediction Recessional The family will receive fiends and share repast in the Social Hall of The United House of Prayer, Bellville, Georgia. From the time I can remember, you were always a good hardworking woman. You built screen doors, outdoor toilets, and much more. Daddy would bring the lumber, and you would do the work. I really remember the beatings, that strap could talk. I learned how to cook, clean, wash clothes, iron, and take care of my brothers and sisters. When I left home, you cried. We came home to visit, and you and daddy would visit us, hut you still cried. You were not one to let go, and I felt the same. We are apart again, for God has taken you home, that is one thing we are all born to do. We did all we could and now we shed tears. It was hard to let it go, but we knew how sick you were. We will keep you in our memories and our heart. Rest In Peace, Bobby Earl Tompkins Grandsons Keith Tompkins Quincy Melvin Jackie Cobbs, Jr. Brian Melvin lamanuel Melvin Rodney Tompkins William (Tae) Melvin Jarred Tompkins Jamar Williams Bruce Kent Demetrius Tompkins The Family of the late MaeRetha Tompkins extends our sincerest gratitude for the many comforting expressions of hearfelt kindness and sympathy extended during our time of sorrow. No words can express our gratitude; our spirits have been uplified and our hearts overwhelmed. We pray that God blesses and keeps you in His loving care. Continue to pray for us as we pray for you. Professional Services Entrusted To: 125 North Broad Street Claxton, Georgia 30417 (912) 739-2658 www.hodgesfunerals.com