Oma Lorraine Thompson

A Chapter Completed, A Page Turned
A Life Well Lived, A Rest Well Earned

Mrs. Oma Lorraine Overton Mangum Thompson transitioned to her heavenly home on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at Emanuel Hospital in Portland Oregon.

Born in Athens Texas, Henderson County on December 3, 1941, she was the eldest daughter of the late Eddie Terry Overton and Celia Mae Alex Overton Yancey.

Lorraine was blessed with five children. In 1959 she married James (JW) Mangum of Portland Oregon, who affectionately nicked named her “Sarg”. She returned to her hometown of Athens Texas and later united in marriage to the late Burnell Thompson of Athens Texas. Together, they raised hogs for market and she also partnered with her father to run a private social club.

Lorraine attended Girls Polytechnic High School where she actively participated in Band. She played the Snare Drums in Portland's Annual Rose Festival Parade.

She was among one of the first African Americans to appear on a local television dance show called, "High Time."

She was an active member of Church of the Living God, P.G.T., Athens, Texas where she served on the Usher Board and various other Church Committees. She also was a member of the NAACP in Athens Texas. In Portland Oregon she joined Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Mothers' Board. She also attended the Urban League Senior Center where she was an Instructor for the Jewelry Making Class and helped with Meals on Wheels.

She leaves to love and cherish her memory, children: Serena Stoudamire Wesley (Don), Neta Mangum, Tammie Mangum Johnson, Troy Mangum and Terrell Thompson (Dominica) all residing in Portland Oregon; 13 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Sisters; Annette Preston (A.J.) of Portland OR., Terry Ellis (Leroy) of Tucson, AZ, Pamela Njunjiri of New Hope, MN, Becky Overton, Stephanie Beach of Dallas, Texas, Tracy Johnson of Athens, Texas, Shirley Cowan, Portland OR, and Debra Walker, Portland OR. Brothers; Eddie Benton, Portland OR, and Randy Benton. Aunt: Katherine Norwood, Ft. Worth Texas. Uncles: Ruby C. Overton (Pat), Richmond CA, Albert Overton (Earlene), Portland OR and Thomas Lollar (Gladys) Dallas TX and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

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