Aretha (Dennis) Tompkins

Our beloved mother, Aretha Tompkins, passed away peacefully at her home on April 15, 2025. She was a devoted and loving mother who was always there when we needed her most, offering endless support, wisdom, and love.

Aretha was born on July 10, 1954, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Lavent Dennis and the late Emma Lee McBride. She attended Westside School and graduated from Greenwood High School. A dedicated member of New Faith Tabernacle Church, she actively served in the Women’s Ministry, sang in the choir, and was a member of the Pastor’s Aid committee.

She was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Orenthia James Tompkins Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, Michael Tompkins of Greenwood; two sons, Orenthia James (Stephanie) Tompkins Sr. of Greenville, South Carolina, and Deevius Tompkins of Greenwood, South Carolina; two daughters, Yashica Tompkins and Shandrecia Tompkins, both of Greenwood; and a cherished daughter in Christ, Akanda Klugh of Greenwood.

Aretha is also survived by three brothers: James (Betty) McBride of Belton, South Carolina, and Johnny (Dorothy) McBride and Randy McBride, both of Greenwood; her mother-in-law, Annette Susewell of Greenwood; two brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and five sisters in Christ: Annette Susewell, Mary Sayles, Barbara Martin, Deloris Bacote-Lagroon, and Cornelia Walker, all of Greenwood.

She will be deeply missed by her devoted friend Patricia Ann Norman of Greenwood, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who join together in mourning her passing.

Services will be 2:00 P.M., on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Macedonia Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Bernard Morman, Officiating, Rev. Dr. Ankoma Anderson, Presiding, burial will follow at Oakbrook Memorial Park.  Viewing will be from 1-6 p.m. Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Robinson and Son Mortuary, Inc. The family is at the home, 102 Hardwood Loop, in Greenwood.  Online condolences may be sent to robson@nctv.com. Arrangements are being handled by Robinson and Son Mortuary Inc. 

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