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During the evening hours on November 15, 2023, the Lord, in his divine grace, ushered Ms. Essie Bickham Thompson into her eternal home.

Essie Lee “Gloria” Bickham Thompson was born on September 23, 1950, in Bogalusa, LA, to the late Jewel and Alice Bickham.

Essie was married to the late Newton Williams, and they became the proud parents of two children, Duan Williams and Dawndra Barnes. She later married her beloved husband, Sylvester “Bill” Thompson.

Her memory will continue to live on through her loving family. She is survived by her son, Duan Newton Williams of Desoto, TX, and daughter, Dawndra Williams Barnes of Arlington, TX; Four grandchildren, Jekhari “Jey” Williams, Jemiah Williams, James Barnes, and Kylah Barnes; a special niece and nephew, Veronica and Aaron Brown; a special cousin, Devonnie Banks; a host of cousins, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her late husband, Sylvester “Bill” Thompson; parents, Jewel and Alice Bickham; two brothers, Ellis Leroy Spikes Sr. and Stanwood Bickham; one sister, Irene S. Wilson; two nieces, Tandra and Tanzongie Brown; three nephews, Aaron Joshua Hillery, Stanwood Bickham Jr., and Carl Stanley Weary, and several other friends and family.

Her celebration of life was held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Mount Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 444 Elliot Avenue, Bogalusa, LA 70427; burial will follow at the Robinson Cemetery in Angie, LA. Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa are in charge of arrangements. Please sign guestbook at www.crainandsons.com.