Douglas Edwin Thompson

Evangelist Douglas Edwin Thompson stood tall and straight and joined his ancestors on Monday, April 24, 2023, at UPMC Hamot.

Doug was born on May 13, 1953, in Erie, PA to Lee Edwin and Zula May Thompson. At the age of 18 months Doug was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and, according to physicians, would never walk, speak, or be able to care for himself and would not survive past 10 years of age – the recommendation was that he be placed in an institution. Zula and Lee rejected both the prognosis and placement recommendation. Defying the odds and through patience, perseverance, and the services of United Cerebral Palsy he learned to walk, speak, and care for himself resulting in his dedicated service to the Erie community.

Doug was a graduate of the Blueprint Project of the United Way of Erie. He served as the Ombudsman for the Gertrude A. Barber Center, leaving only after the progression of his disability began to greatly limit his independence.

He was an active and committed member of St. James AME Church which included coaching their basketball team. Perhaps one of his greatest achievements was receiving his certification as an Evangelist in the AME church. His commitment to his faith and love of God carried him throughout his life.

Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Betty Flowers and Patricia Flowers and his loving and devoted Aunt Jessie Smith. Aunt Jessie stepped in in 1964 to raise Doug and his brother and sisters after the death of their parents.

He is survived by his sisters Sandra (Rebecca) of Philadelphia, PA and Lynda Rogers of Fort Wayne, IN and brothers Jeffery (May) of Pittsburgh, PA and Jimmy Lowrey of Newark, NJ, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

Doug’s family wishes to express their genuine love and unconditional heartfelt thanks to Rashedih Winston (his caregiver for over 20 Years) and Kristina Harkless (his incredibly supportive caregiver who was at his side at the time of his death). Also, they are grateful to Voices for Independence, UPMC Health Nursing, the nursing and medical staff of UPMC Hamot, and the medical staff of Select Specialty Hospital.

Services will be held at St. James AME Church, 236 East 11th Street in Erie, at 12 noon, on Tuesday, May 2, with visitation from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 Noon. Interment will follow the service at Lakeside Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved Aunt Jessie. Arrangements are entrusted to Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Service Inc. Downtown, 602 W. 10th Street, Erie.

Send Condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.