My condolences go out to Dr. Thompson's family. He was a unique individual who loved his life, his family, and his state. I think of him often and his courage during his battle. He is greatly missed.
Mary Williams, Jackson, MS
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May God be with Dr. Thompson and his Family. We appreciate all his good work in the health field.
E. Knight, LPNII Fayette, Miss.
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In meeting Dr. Thompson in my years with the State Dept. of Health he was the original of them all, never met a stranger. Will be missed.
Sadly,
mcbride
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The agency's main light has been darkened, but his legacy/spirt will forever shine in the hearts of MSDH employees. Dr. Thompson was always pleasant and showed a passion for his love - public health. It is my prayer that God will provide comfort to the family and abundant blessings. Bobbie B. Brantley, Personnel Officer V, Human Resources
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I've known Dr. Thompson since I came to work at the Health Department in 1987, several years before he first became State Health Officer, and he was without question one of the smartest people I have ever been around. In meetings with him, I was often struck by how quickly he could grasp complicated issues and then discuss them logically and rationally. He could have been very intimidating but, instead, he always put everyone around him at ease and listened to what they had to say with interest and respect. With his distinctive voice and calm, easy eloquence, he exuded confidence and engendered in his listeners a sense that everything was under control, even in very difficult circumstances. Speaking of his voice and eloquence, I always thought he would have been a great broadcaster if he hadn't chosen to be a doctor!
Benny Farmer, Accountant/Auditor IV Professional Finance & Accounts
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It was an honor to work under Dr. Ed Thompson. I started at MSDH in the Communications and Public Relations in 1999 and everyday enjoyed learning something new about public health from him. He was a true public health practitioner and advocate for the people of MIssissippi. I will miss him sorely, as will many people who knew him. My heart goes out to Marsha and his family and the MSDH family during this time.
Kelly Shannon Bilbo
(former Special Projects Officer/Media Relations Rep, MSDH) Jackson, MS Convention & Visitors Bureau, PR & Communications Manager
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I had the privilege of working under Dr. Thompson during his first tenure as State Health Officer. I was glad when I heard that he had returned and to see how he brought respect back to the agency with his leadership. My sympathies to his family and also those who enjoyed working with him on a daily basis. Les Fortenberry (former graphic designer for MSDH) Missouri Department of Conservation, Jeff City, MO
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The thing that struck me most about Dr. Thompson was the way he acknowledged people. Whether you saw him at the Central Office or at your specific county location, he always took time to engage the person and not the position. He listened not just with his ears but with his heart. If it was within his power to help, he did so willingly. My deepest sympathy goes out to his wife, children and extended family during this time of sorrow. Proverbs: 3:5-7 is always a source of comfort for me and I hope it will be for you at this time as well. With Deepest Sympathy,
Irene C. Ealy, OM IV
Scott County Health Department
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He will be greatly missed.
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Friends and family will always remember the great qualities he possessed and his many accomplishments. He never met a stranger and was always the Optimist! He looked for the best in all of his endevours and contributed to making the world around us a better place. He would flash that great smile of his and with a twinkle in his blue eyes you would know everything was right in the world. He may not always agree with you, but he did so kindly and conveyed to you even a better way to go. I worked with him as an employee at the Mississippi State Department of Health and later served with him on a committee at The University of Mississippi Medical Center. I was a better person in having met Dr. Thompson and he will be missed. My condolences go to his family and all of the people who knew him as they feel his loss. Respectfully,
Tommy Casey, Manager Institutional Review Board, University of Mississippi Medical Center
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Dr. Thompson was a great public health practitioner and leader at both the state and the national levels. He is very well respected by public health workers across this country. I have been asked about him everywhere I travel. He was a leader in establishing the idea for public health quality and performance improvement. The entire public health community will miss him.
On behalf of the Public Health Accreditation Board of Directors and the staff, we offer our sincere sympathy to the Mississippi State Department of Health staff and to Dr. Thompson's family.
Kaye Bender, President and CEO
Public Health Accreditation Board
Alexandria, VA
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My life has been extraordinarily blessed and enriched to have crossed paths with Dr. Ed Thompson's life. Dr. Thompson brought a joy to living, a smile and sense of humor in daily life, an exceptional leadership capacity valued in Mississippi and nationally, and a dedication to the field of public health science and practice. Dr. Thompson has touched many, many lives through his preventive and public health prioitities; many will never realize it was his touch that improved the quality and length of life for so many Mississippi citizens.
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I am missing him at this very moment and have shared my quiet thoughts with him this evening. Special thoughts and prayers are extended to his wife Marsha and his children; he so loved his family. He was also devoted to the family of MSDH staff members who have loved and appreciated this dear man.
Margaret Morton, Field Services
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The Department of Health has suffered a great loss. My prayers and thoughts go out to Dr. Thompson's family. He will be greatly missed.
Candace Farmer, Adams County WIC
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My Prayers and condolences go out to his wife Marsha and his children. Dr. Thompson will be greatly missed. His greatest passion was public health. Look to the hills where all you help comes from, it comes from the Lord. Rest in Peace, Dr. Thompson.
Paula Pendleton, Office Manager III Clinton, MS
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What a great loss for me personally and as an employee of the Mississippi State Department of Health. Dr. Thompson always made each of us feel that we were a valuable part of the agency. He will be missed by the entire state of Mississippi. We at Copiah County Health Department will keep his family and our agency in our prayers.
Judy Izard, Office Manager III, Copiah County Health Department
