Jimmie Lee Thompson, 94, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of February 26, 2025. She was born on July 5, 1930, to Seth and Viola Fuller in Bonham, Texas, and was one of many siblings. At the young age of 13, Jimmie Lee had to leave school to help care for her family, showcasing her selflessness and devotion from an early age. At just 16, Jimmie Lee met and married Joe Runnels in Texas. Later in life, she moved to Kansas, where she met and married James Thompson. Though they longed for children, they were unable to conceive, and in 1964, they decided to adopt. They were blessed to welcome a daughter, Tina, who would become the light of their lives. Tragically, James was killed in a car accident in 1970, but Jimmie Lee found love again when she married Elijha “EB” Birden in 1975. Jimmie Lee dedicated over 40 years of her life to the culinary profession, working as a Chef for local Holiday Inns, Ramada Inns, and Stormont-Vail, where she retired from. After retiring from cooking, Jimmie Lee worked for 10 years as a Foster Grandparent at KNI, bringing joy and wisdom to many residents lives. At 83, she retired completely, having given so much to others throughout her career. Her home, where she lived for over 66 years, was always a place of warmth, comfort, and love for family and friends. Jimmie Lee’s family meant everything to her, especially her daughter, Tina, whom she was extremely proud of. Tina devoted herself to caring for her Mother in her later years, ensuring that Jimmie Lee always felt loved and cherished. Tina made sure her Mom was #1, not just some of the time, but all the time. Jimmie Lee was a lifelong member of Indiana Avenue Church of Christ. In the weeks leading up to her passing, she expressed one final wish—to attend a service at her church. With the help of her family, Kelesha and Zaccheaus traveled from Missouri to help lift her into the car, and Tina pushed her in her wheelchair. Despite her weakened voice and frail body, Jimmie Lee sang and hummed hymns, a testament to her unwavering faith in the Lord and her deep love for her church family. Jimmie Lee was preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, three husbands—each a great Man—and many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her only daughter, Tina Gamble (Bobby); granddaughters, Lekesha Phillips, Kelesha Gamble Sharp (Daniel); great-granddaughter, MyKeitha Thompson; great-grandsons, RaShaun Thompson, Timothy Phillips (Emma), Zaccheaus Gamble; great-great-grandson, Junior Phillips. She is also survived by her nephew Cecil Fuller (Patricia) of San Bernardino, California; niece, Quinzetta Stidham (Ontario), whom she helped raise as her own, and her God-daughter Tamie Germany (James). Jimmie Lee’s life was a beautiful example of love, faith, and selflessness. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of all those she touched. Funeral services will be held at Indiana Avenue Church of Christ, with burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jimmie Lee’s memory to the Indiana Avenue Church of Christ.


Jimmie Lee Thompson
Peaceful Rest Funeral Chapels & Cremations
401 SW Harrison St
Topeka, KS 66603
(785) 234-1707
https://peacefulrestfuneralchapel.com/

Past Services
No map available
Public Visitation
March 14, 2025 10:00 am
Funeral Service
3510 Southeast Indiana Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66605, USA
March 11, 2025 12:00 am
Burial Ceremony
1601 Southeast 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66607, USA
March 11, 2025 1:00 pm