The Thompson Legacy ☜[View More of Our Legacy]
Big Momma and Big Daddy shared a desire to be of service to the community. They were active participants in H.S. Thompson Elementary School programs. They mentored children and provided a safe place for children after school.
A fresh meat counter, fresh vegetables, household items and toys were sold there before there was a Walmart. There was a kitchen in the back of the store and a counter where Big Momma cooked and served her famous burgers, fried skins in a paper bag, french-fries and snow cones.
There was also Vera’s House of Beauty. She had a beauty salon attached were ladies and little girls would come for beautician services.
A barber shop owned and operated by their daughter Lois Lenora Thompson was located a block away.
A house behind the store was acquired and converted to a center for after school and child care programs where they received meals and tutoring.
A house across the street was acquired and converted into a church and pastored by Leon Bethel Jr.
Thompson’s Grocery was known to have fed many in the community. There was a system in place which allowed those economically disadvantaged to buy groceries and pay later.
Big Daddy would say, “I will put that on your bill”. Patrons needs were provided regardless of their ability to pay.
The store was passed down to Leon Bethel Jr. in 1978 and operated until 1996 for a total of 53 years.
Thompson’s Grocery Store was demolished around 2009.
The desire to serve the community continues through their descendants and is now operating as South Dallas Community Hope & Fellowship as a Non- Profit at the church location. The legacy passed to this generation is one of hope, fellowship and restoration. We continue in the footsteps of Pappa Thompson and Big Momma also known as Leon and Vera Thompson.
