Geraldine Thompson remembered for her ‘perfect blend of grace and strength’

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix
March 13, 2025

Sen. Geraldine Thompson was remembered by her colleagues Thursday as an advocate for equality, justice, Black history, and, as Senate President Ben Albritton put it, as a “perfect blend of grace and strength.”

Senators sat together during the second week of session to remember Thompson, who died in office a month ago at the age of 76 following complications from knee surgery. 

State Sen. Geraldine Thompson dead at 76

Thompson was widely known for her commitment to African American history, serving as chair of the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force, campaigning to preserve the Wells’Built Hotel in Orlando as a museum, and writing “Black America: Orlando, Florida,” a history of Orlando’s Black community. 

Sen. Darryl Rouson recalled Thompson for her drive for equity.

“Sen. Thompson epitomized Black history,” Rouson said. “Throughout her life, she worked to make things easier, more equitable for all. While she was teaching our past and helping preserve the stories of Black history, she was brightening our future. … It is not lost on me or others that God called her home untimely during Black History month.”

Thompson’s family, including her husband Emerson, were in the chamber for the service.

Albritton noted he wore a purple tie Thursday to emphasize the blend between red and blue.

“She was the perfect blend of grace and strength, perfect blend, and knew how to use each of those to make better the lives of other people,” Albritton said.

Sen. Don Gaetz recalled the attire Thompson would wear in the chamber, taking on the personalities of notable people in history. 

“When she donned a uniform and she took on the personality of a heroic African American historical figure, you believed that that’s who it was,” Gaetz said. 

“You believed it. And I remember one time she took on the persona of an African American aviatress who made history, and who’s one of the solo flyers. And I didn’t know the story. I didn’t know until she told it in the first person, I can tell you that I believe that Geraldine Thompson could fly, and I still do,” Gaetz said. 

Rouson offered the idea of her meeting those figures she portrayed in the afterlife. 

“I’m confident in knowing that she’s at peace with our God and has received her crown of glory,” Rouson said. “I imagine her communing with the spirits of those she studied so fervently and taught us about so passionately.”

Former President Barack Obama wrote a letter to the Thompson family.

“Geraldine was a model of the best kind of public service, the kind that’s driven by a heart for justice that builds up communities, and that isn’t swayed by flattery or the pursuit of power,” Sen. Tracie Davis said, reading the letter.

“I have no doubt that Geraldine’s trailblazing legacy will live on through all those she impacted during her time on this earth. While there are no words that can ease your grief, I hope that the support of your friends and loved ones and the outpouring from your community brings you some comfort as you navigate the days ahead.”

Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith served with Thompson in the House and Senate. He recalled the late senator supporting diversity and inclusion.

“Personally, to me, like for so many of you, she was a friend, a friend who was there with her daughter Elizabeth for Jerick and my wedding; she was an ally who rode shotgun in a convertible with us in colorful attire during a recent Orlando Pride parade to show her support for diversity and inclusion,” Smith said. 

Sen. Jason Pizzo, whose desk in the chamber is next to Thompson’s, recalled her ability to earn the respect of all people and the way she drew people’s attention. 

“I remember talking to your wife,” Pizzo said, addressing Emerson Thompson. “We were halfway through a conversation about something. I said, ‘Geraldine you could me the nutritional facts off the side of a Cheerios box, and it just has that gravitas.’”

The Orlando lawmaker’s first legislative term was nearly 20 years ago, when she was elected to the House in 2006. Six years later, she was elected to the Senate. Following an unsuccessful congressional run in 2016, she returned to the House in 2018 and to the Senate in 2022. 

Thompson attended Miami-Dade Community College, the University of Miami, and Florida State University. She was a teacher in Orange County before starting a 24-year career as an administrator at Valencia Community College. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis directed flags to fly at half staff at the Capitol and in Orange County on Thursday.

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