Darnell Thompson

obituary Reverend Darnell Thompson, Sr. Darnell Thompson was born on September 21, 1955 in Washington, D.C. to the late Lena Mae Holloway-Thompson. He departed this life on November 25, 2019. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and dear friend. Darnell was baptized at the age of ten by the late Reverend Robert Harrison at the New Samaritan Baptist Church. As a teen he joined the Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Marvin McAllister. He quickly became an active member, joining the Young Adult Choir, serving on the Junior and Senior Usher Boards, and organizing and leading a Boy Scout troop. His leadership and organization skills led to his being selected as a Deacon-in-Training by the Pastor, James E. Simmons. In 1981 Darnell, along with Pastor Simmons, became a charter member of Spirit of Peace Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a Deacon in 1982. In 1985 Darnell answered God’s call to preach His word with his initial sermon “Partnership with God”. Upon receiving his license, He was appointed Minister of Youth at Spirit of Peace. In this capacity he trained junior Deacons, taught church school, provided youth counseling services, and preached monthly youth-directed messages. He furthered his education by attending Howard University School of Divinity, Washington Saturday College, Washington Bible College and Washington Baptist Seminary. In 1993 he was ordained to the Gospel Ministry and named Assistant Pastor of Spirit of Peace. In 1999 he became Pastor of Thankful Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. He served for six years before returning to his home church and resuming the position of Assistant Pastor. Darnell was employed at Alutiiq as a Project Manager at the Census Bureau in Suitland, MD the last 2 years and a career employee of the D.C. Department of Recreation. His first assignment was in the Facilities Maintenance Division as a Tile Setter in the Fields and Courts Branch. His vast knowledge of the craft and superior work ethic led to a promotion to Chief of the Branch. He received a leadership award for a program called Dr. Playground. Later he was promoted to Chief of The Facilities and Crafts Division, and was ultimately named Acting Director of Facilities Maintenance. Darnell loved people. Friends and family were always welcomed to the back yard for fun and fellowship, no invitation needed. An avid fisherman, he would cook his catch for his company. He was a member of the NAACP and Fidelity Lodge#20, PHA. Reverend Darnell Thompson, a man of character and purpose, leaves to cherish his many memories his loving wife Lisa; children, Stefanie Thompson, Cherlyn Thompson, Darnell Thompson, Jr., DeWayne Taylor, Leichelle Taylor, Daniel Thompson and Janeil Thompson; grandchildren, Lamont Stringfellow, Jr., Danielle Thompson, Dontrel Thompson, Yasmeen Mbodj, Trevon Thompson, Daniel Thompson, Jr., Reniyah Taylor, Davon Crawford, Darnell Crawford, Daphney Thompson, Chase James, Rylei Taylor, Melina Thompson and Sade Thompson; great grand children, Ann-Marie and Sebastian Stringfellow; sisters, Beverly Holloway, Patricia Fisher, Joyette Thompson, Donita Thompson and Tarita Baker (Prophet); brothers, Kevin Hill and Anthony Hill, and many other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by siblings Geraldine Gaither, Linda Moore, Sharon Thompson and Dwayne Hill.