ORLANDER BENESTINE THOMPSON
May 10, 1930-Nov. 11, 2011
Mr. Olander Benestine Thompson, son of the late Mrs. Susie Thompson Geter, was born May 10, 1930, in Faison. After a brief period of declining health, he departed this life Friday, Nov. 11, 2011.
He was reared and nurtured by his loving grandparents, the Elder Edgar O. Thompson and Mrs. Margie Lewis Thompson.
At an early age, Olander joined Burning Bush Holy Church under the pastorate of the late bishop N.M. Midgette. He attended and participated in the youth activities in the church and community, especially as a member of the church choir.
Olander attended the Duplin County Training School of Faison. He graduated in 1949.
He then traveled to New York for a short stay, and then on to Greensboro, where he lived almost two years prior to receiving a military draft notice. He was drafted to go to the United States Army, where he served during the Korean Conflict. He received an honorable discharge after two years of military service.
After his tour of military service, he decided to settle in the state of New Jersey, where he worked many different jobs over his 49-year stay in the city.
Following his retirement, he decided to relocate to his homeland of Faison.
He reunited with his church, Burning Bush, under the pastorate of the late Dr. Samuel H. Johnson. He attended Sunday morning worship services and other special programs as long has his health permitted him to do so.
Olander was also a member of the Clinton District Union.
In the Faison community, Olander demonstrated his love and concern for his fellowman by doing many humanitarian acts, such as transporting persons to the hospital or doctor's visits, other healthcare appointments, grocery shopping or to places to take care of one's personal concerns.
He was also a member of Faison Nutrition Site. He attended the nutrition site daily for lunch for several years. When he became disabled, he daily received a Meals-on-Wheels lunch at home.
During his illness, he spent several days in different hospitals, and he was a resident of the Brian Center Nursing Facility for slightly more than a year.
It was his desire to return home for his most recent birthday, and the Lord granted him his desire.
During pastor Pickett and his staff's visit to the facility, Olander accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and maintained that testimony until his death.
Those left to cherish his memories are an uncle, Mr. Nathaniel Thompson of Mount Vernon, N.Y.; two aunts, Mrs. Madie B. Thompson of Faison and Mrs. Mary Lou Thompson of Greensboro; special cousins; and many, many cousins, family and friends.
Funeral service for Olander will be held Saturday at noon at Burning Bush Holy Church, with elder Arto Pickett, officiating. Burial will follow in Faison Community Cemetery.
Viewing and family visitation will be held Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Garris Funeral Home Chapel. At other times the family will receive friends at the home of Dr. Louise Norris, 249 David Bright Road, Faison.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on November 17, 2011 1:50 PM