The gentle hand of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ carried our loved on up through the golden gates of Heaven or Wednesday, November 6, 2013.
On September 16, 1942 a baby boy was born to Willie and Dempsey Tompkins in Bellville, Texas and they named him Marion (Bubba) Tompkins. Marion attended public school in Sealy, Texas. He furthered his education by attending Prairie View A & M College. It was interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He served his country for two years and was honorably discharged and returned back to Prairie View to complete his studies, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Education in 1969. While at Prairie View Marion met a beautiful young lady named Evonne Marie Smith that captured his heart. Their love was inseparable, even when he was drafted into the service. After a loving courtship these two became one and from this wonderful union a son was born named Marion D. Tompkins (Snookie).
Marion joined the Avenue L Baptist Church and was baptized along with his son, Marion D. on an Easter Sunday. The Bible says in seeking help in ministering unto the people of God, to look out among you and find one of good report and such one was found in Marion and he was ordained a Deacon in 1991. He was a faithful member that loved his church family. He was a very soft spoken individual who was kind to everyone and was always willing to help and encouraged many to do their best at all times.
Marion’s career began in the education field and he was employed by the Galveston Independent School District as an instructor of building trade at Ball High School and taught there for over eighteen years. That career led him to what would become his greatest legacy. He began his new career with high expectations as he became an entrepreneur in Building and Development. As a developer he built many custom homes, sub divisions and multi-story apartment complexes. He took pride in his work and made sure that every one of his projects would receive an A-1 status.
Marion was an active member of the Gamma Pi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. until his health began to fail.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Marion D. (Snookie) Tompkins; and a brother, Jack Tompkins. Marion leaves cherished memories with his loving and devoted wife, Evonne Tompkins; daughter, Sharon (James, Jr.) Stephens of Missouri City, Texas; brother, James (Norma) Tompkins of Hempstead, Texas; sisters, Bennie Collier of Spring, Texas, Theresa (Roy) Alexander of Englewood, CA, Betty (Alfred) Smith of Freemont, IN; granddaughter, Nyoesha Phillips of Missouri City; nieces he reared, Shani and Ayana; devoted sisters-in-law, Debbie and Pamela Smith of Houston, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loving neighbors.