Lelia Ann Thompson

Funeral services for Lelia Ann Thompson, 48, of Longview, Texas will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Bethel Temple of Longview with Rev. Tony Clark as eulogist. Burial will follow in Mt. Comfort Cemetery in Kilgore, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Victory Funeral Services.

Lelia, most affectionately known as Queen, was born in Kilgore, Texas on Saturday, June 3, 1972 to her parents, James Edward and Elaine Portley Thompson and departed, this life Monday, February 1, 2021 at her residence in Longview, Texas.

As a young child she united with and was baptized at Mt. Comfort Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. She later became a member at New Birth Fellowship in Kilgore, Texas.

During her youth, she attended Kilgore and Longview public schools and was a member of the Longview High School Class of 1990. In 2016, she graduated with an associate of arts degree from Kilgore College. Most recently on May 17, 2019, she graduated as a member of Phil Alpha Honor Society for Social Workers receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from Stephen F. Austin State University. In her continued educational pursuit, she was currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at SFASU. Being held in high regard, the SFASU flag on the campus was lowered on February 5, 2021 in commemoration of her departure.

Having come from a legacy of entrepreneurship, she honored it with ownership of her own tax service business, “The Tax Lady”, with offices in Longview and Daingerfield, Texas, and Queen’s Boutique in Longview. Throughout the years Lelia also worked in various capacities within the retail industry with employment as a make-up/beauty expert at Kohl’s.

After facing a period of adversity in her life, Leila committed a large portion of her time to helping young adults avoid pitfalls that she had faced. Upon becoming a dedicated member of the Getting Ahead Class operated by the City of Longview she essentially became a spokesperson/motivational speaker to and for those fighting their way out of poverty. This journey led her to serving as a panelist in The Poverty Conference sponsored by the Junior League of Longview. She also served as an officer for the Longview Bridges out of Poverty Steering Committee. She gave an abundance of time to doing television promotions and poverty simulations to aid others in understanding the struggles of those living in poverty. She was also a member of Longview Community Women for several years. Her entry into social work opened the door to two internships, one with the Partners in Prevention program of City of Longview and the other with Special Health Resources.

When not working Lelia enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was known to be the life of the party in most instances. The Queen was known for her impeccably applied makeup, unique hairstyles, and fashionable wardrobe; yet nothing was more notable than her kind heart with consideration for others.

Her father, a brother, Carl Thompson, an aunt, Eloise Portley Geter, an uncle, George Thompson, Jr., and a cousin, James Oliver Portley all preceded her in death.

Left to cherish her memories are her beloved daughter, Taylin T. Thompson of Longview, TX; her mother, Elaine Thompson of Kilgore, TX; sisters, Linda Gale Thompson and Loretta Rena Thompson both of Kilgore, TX; brothers, Edward Earl Thompson  and Tyrone Wheat and his wife, Melissa all of Kilgore, TX; an uncle, James Roy Portley and his wife, Gladys of Houston, TX; a great-aunt, Mary Gatlin of Oakland, CA; a great-uncle, Odell Davis of Muskegon, MI; nephews and nieces, George Sheppard, Tybreanna Wheat, Mia Wheat, Tyai Wheat, Zaquallion Wheat all of Kilgore, TX and Ebony Brown of Tyler, TX; first cousins, Yvette Clark and Kim Ray Geter both of Kilgore, TX; Eleanor Stoker and her husband, Vernon Stoker, Jr. and De’Lores P. Arline all of Longview, TX; Arronda Michelle Hardeman and her husband, Rudy of Houston, TX; and a host of friends and relatives.

Viewing will be held at Victory Funeral Services on Friday, February 12, 2021 from 2 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. via drive-thru or exterior walk-up.

Social distancing and masks will be required of all attendants at the funeral service.