Vicki Thompson

In a world consumed by riches, schemes and plans, there are some, who through selfless acts of kindness and generosity of spirit, make their mark by making a difference. Vicki Thompson was such a woman, and through her sweet and loving nature, she experienced life's deepest joys found in the love of family and good friends. Although she will be deeply missed, Vicki's imprint left on the hearts of those who knew and loved her will be forever remembered.

Vicki's story began in the Texas city of Big Spring at Webb Air Force Base where her father, Charles Gates and his wife, Gail (Bresson) were stationed while he served in the U.S. Air Force. It was an exciting time in the country as an increase in living standards promoted the economy and the focus on education helped fuel college enrollment. Elvis Presley and the rock and roll dance craze took the world by storm while the lives of housewives everywhere was made easier with the introduction of disposable diapers and non-stick frying pans. However, nothing compared to the joy experienced by the Gates when on April 21, 1956 they welcomed the birth of their first child whom they lovingly named, Vicki Lynn.

When young Vicki was a year and a half old, her parents moved back to their hometown of Vicksburg, Michigan after her father was discharged from the service. Her parents both worked for the Upjohn Company where her father was an electrician. Before long Vicki welcomed the addition of younger siblings into her life when her brother, Steve and a little sister, Carol Anne came along. She received her early education from the Vicksburg area schools where she made many friends with her likable and genuine personality. She went on to graduate from Vicksburg High School with the Class of 1974.

Soon after high school, Vicki married Ken Thompson. They were young and in love, and in time their union gave Vicki one of the greatest blessings of her life when their son Eric was born. Although her marriage to Ken eventually ended after only five years, she was forever grateful for the gift of her son from her marriage. Eric meant everything to her and in everything she did, her goal was to selflessly ensure that Eric grew up healthy, happy and well loved. Although not a tried and true "health nut", she was, however, conscious about healthy choices. She preferred organically grown foods and frequently visited the Whole Foods store in Ann Arbor.

Vicki provided stability and security in their lives while working at National Water Lift. For the last 20 years, however, she worked as a self-employed tax preparer and financial planner through her business, Vicki L. Thompson, Inc. She always had a way with numbers, and put those very skills to good use after receiving her certifications. Tax season was a daunting time for Vicki every year. She spent countless hours working with little time for anything, or anyone else. It was almost impossible to touch base with her during these busy times, but once she became a grandmother, things quickly changed.

Nothing brought Vicki greater joy than the love for her two lovable grandchildren, Grant and Ava. She was a wonderful grandmother, and for nearly six years she drove from Kalamazoo to Ypsilanti every weekend to see her son, but reveled in the time spent with her grandchildren. As was typical of Vicki, her family was the priority in her life. There simply wasn't much she wouldn't do for them, or for anyone she truly cared about for that matter. Loving and kind, she selflessly gave of her time and heart in all she did.

At the age of 55, Vicki Lynn Thompson, of Kalamazoo, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2011. She is survived by her son, Eric (Jodi) Thompson of Ypsilanti; her two grandchildren, Grant and Ava Thompson; parents, Charles and Gail Gates of Vicksburg; brother, Steve Gates, of Arkansas; her niece Brianna Gates; aunts and uncles, Nancy and Douglas Bresson and Brenda and Richard Bresson; cousins, Denise Bresson, Brian Bresson and Todd Bresson. She was preceded in death by her sister, Carol Anne Gates and cousin Brad Bresson.

Vicki's family will receive friends on Saturday, November 26, 2011 from 1-3 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main St., Vicksburg (649-1697). Please visit her memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home, submit a memory or archive a photo. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to the education of her grandchildren.