Rachel Thompkins

The Extraordinary Life of RACHEL JUANITA MILLER THOMPKINS Sunrise: September 11, 1937 ~ Sunset: July 16, 2024 “And we know that ALL things work together for good to them that love God,to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 GOD DID A MIRACULOUS THING ONE GLORIOUS DAY— On Saturday, September 11, 1937, God gave a gift to the Late Reverend D.V. and the Late Bertha Ann Miller, a strong and fearless baby girl, whom they named “Rachel Juanita.” Rachel was designed to leave her mark through the heavenly capabilities and unction which was her stamp and served as a blessing to others. Rachel was with ten (10) other siblings, for whom she was uniquely equipped. In 1940, leaving their home in Jacksonville FL, Rachel and her family relocated to Pompano Beach, FL, where she became a permanent resident. She was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church, where her father, D.V. Miller, was the pastor and founder. In 1952, she met the “Love of her Life” Jethero Thompkins Sr., they courted for one year and married September 19, 1953, right after her sixteenth (16) birthday. In 1954, Rachel received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She and Jethero started their work of ministry at Church of God in Christ No. 2 under the leadership of the Late Elder Charlie Thomas and later under the leadership of the Late Elder Robert L. Robinson and now known as Thomas Temple Church of God in Christ. Because of her anointed bass voice, she gained popularity with many different people and ministries. She served in the Sunshine Band, in Choir No.1 and she served in the Young Women Christian Council. In that same year she had given birth to her first child. From this union, ten (10) children were born: eight (8) boys and two (2) girls and a few adopted. Rachel had the pleasure of being a “stay at home mom” never having to work for money a day in her life. She enjoyed being a mother to her children and many other children that she did not physically birth but accepted them in her heart. Rachel enjoyed traveling the world with her husband, children and friends. In 1986, Rachel took her ministry to Bible Talk under the leadership of Pastor Mary Branch now known as Bible Teachers Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Tanya Thomas, where she has remained the rest of her days. The life she knew would never be the same. Rachel and Jethero were the twenty-sixth members to join Bible Talk. Rachel received her consecration as Pastor and Prophetess and she served her church in many roles, on the Determinant Council, Leader of Prayer Council, President of the Sisterhood, and Marriage Council and last but definitely not least, she was a well-known soloist. It was in this ministry that she became known as “Sister T”. Sister T was instrumental in helping to counsel and mentor people in the paths of righteousness. She was faithful in every capacity which the Lord chose to use her. She lived a life of self-denial. She has opened her doors to many people and their families. She dedicated her life to visiting and bringing comfort to the sick and shut-in. Sister T would take her daughter Carol with her on visits to hospitals and different homes praying and fellowshipping with the elders and the disable. Sister T was the epitome of a prayer warrior, she got up at 4a.m. EVERY morning to pray for her family and loved ones. Many times, in her prayers you would hear her praying for the nation—she was so passionate about talking with the Lord that you could hear her praying through the walls. She was the intercessor for her family and hundreds of other families. She loved her family beyond measure. She also had a passion for “Praise and Worship”— Sister T found delight in Praising the Lord. One of her favorite things to do was sing songs of praise with her daughter and granddaughter. On the night of Tuesday, July 16, 2024, after Rachel had been visited by loved ones, her Pastor prayed a sweet soft prayer for comfort and soon after God embraced Rachel’s desire to be with him and called her home. RACHEL JUANITA MILLER THOMPKINS was blessed by God to live 86 years, now her prayers, words of encouragement, and godly counsel will direct the family and those whose lives she impacted forever. She has now been reunited with her husband, Jethero Thompson, and her son: Jethero Derrick Thompkins. In addition, we’re certain that her parents, siblings and many others are now gathered around her. LEFT TO SAVOR HER MEMORIES Siblings: Sister: Clara Murray and Sister-in-law: Juanita “Zola” Raysor Children: Dail McCleod (George), Craig Thompkins, Winfred Thompkins (Precious), Kelvin Thompkins (Valerie), Troy Thompkins (Carmen), Keith Thompkins (Cynthia), Delton Thompkins, Carol Thompkins-Heck (Rodney), Brent Thompkins God Children: Karen Chatfield, Billy Josey, Calvin Wright and Anne Woods Also to cherish the memories is a host of nieces and nephews and well over 200 grands, great grands, and great great grands. Certainly, there will be a void in the hearts of her Bible Teachers Ministries Church Family. You can shed tears that Sister T is gone Or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her Or you can be full of the love that you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and relive yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she is gone Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what Sister T would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on— always remembering whatever it is to TELL GOD ABOUT IT

Rachel Thompkins

September 11, 1937 - July 16, 2024