ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Thousands of mourners from across Florida filled Majestic Life Church in Orlando Friday morning to honor the life and legacy of state Senator Geraldine Thompson, a revered civil rights leader and dedicated public servant.

Thousands of mourners from across Florida filled Majestic Life Church in Orlando, Friday, February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Thompson, 76, passed away on February 13 following complications from knee replacement surgery. She served western Orange County for over 16 years as a Democrat in the Florida Legislature, both in the state House and Senate, and had recently been reelected to the state Senate in November 2024.

Her memorial, a heartfelt “going home celebration,” drew a wide array of current and former federal, state, and local elected officials, as well as federal, state, and county judges. Notable attendees included U.S. Congressman Maxwell Frost, former Congressmen John Mica and Alan Grayson, state Senate President Ben Albritton, state Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo, local State Senators Carols Guillermo Smith and Kristen Arrington, Democratic House Leader Fentrice Driskell, State Representative Michele Rayner, local State Representatrive Anna Eskamani, former local State Representative Daisy Morales, Orange and Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell, former Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, former Orange County Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Ocoee City Commissioner George Oliver, III.

Sitting in the front row, famed Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump, Florida State Representative Michele Rayner, Attorney Natalie Jackson, and former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales paid their respects to the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Civil Rights Attorneys Ben Crump and Natalie Jackson also paid their respects. Many attendees wore scarves in tribute to the beloved state lawmaker.

Dr. LaVon Bracy, a friend of the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson for over 50 years, spoke to thousands at the homegoing celebration in Orlando on Friday, February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Honoring Thompson’s Legacy

Dr. LaVon Bracy, a friend of Thompson for over 50 years and the maid of honor at Thompson’s wedding to her husband Emerson, reflected on the significance of Thompson passing during Black History Month.

Bracy highlighted Thompson’s activism during her time at the University of Miami, where she was a pioneer for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, advocating for Black faculty representation and the creation of a Black Student Union.

The daughters and son of the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson shared their mother’s impact during her homegoing celebration in Orlando, Florida, on February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

A Mother’s Influence

Thompson’s daughter, Elizabeth Grace, shared how her mother instilled confidence and strength in those around her.

“She believed in us so hard, breathed life into us, and made us believe in ourselves so strongly that I think each of us sit here knowing there’s nothing that we can’t do,” Grace said.

Charlean Gatlin, a former staff member, shared the impact of the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson on the community in Orlando, Florida, on February 25, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Impact on Community Leaders

Charlean Gatlin, a former staff member, asked everyone who had ever worked for Thompson to stand, showcasing the breadth of her influence.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the individuals standing before you are representations of Sen. Thompson’s essence of influence,” Gatlin said. “They are educators, community advocates, lobbyists, and public servants whose round of expertise has reached from the State House to the White House.”

The family of the late State Senator Geraldine Thompson shared the iconic lawmaker’s legacy during the homegoing celebration in Orlando, Florida, on February 28, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III

Continuing the Legacy

Thompson’s granddaughter, Symone Thompson, emphasized her grandmother’s dedication to preserving Black history and storytelling.

“Her work ethic, passion for her community, determination, and love for preserving Black history are things I will never forget,” Symone Thompson said.

Filling Thompson’s Seat

During a press conference Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the timeline for a Special Election to fill Thompson’s Senate District 15 seat.

“It’s too early to set a date,” DeSantis said. “We will likely announce the date after her funeral and work with Orange County to find a convenient time.”

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com