Muriel Cordell Thompson's Obituary
Born November 8, 1920 a resident of Sunnyvale, California Muriel transitioned on
February 8, 2024 of natural causes.
Muriel was born in Newark, New Jersey, to Sarah Elisabeth Allen Blanks and
Thornton Herbert Blanks. She was the eldest of eight and is survived by her youngest
brother Leonard Blanks. She graduated in 1939 from Barringer High School where she
had participated in: hockey, science club and the Athenaeum (yearbook) Board it was
noted that she had, “A twinkle in her eye, a saucy little nose, and always full of mischief,
wherever she goes.” Muriel was always well liked and began serving the Lord at a
young age when attending Bethany Baptist Church. It was during those formative years
that her love of God blossomed, a flame that would guide her for a lifetime. Muriel
enjoyed mentoring beginning at the YWCA and taught many to pray, design, and care
for family. She had the gift of hospitality.
The story of Muriel and Robert D. Thompson began amidst the whirl of a USO
dance in 1945. He was in the Navy, and on January 26, 1946 they began a remarkable
journey together as husband and wife - a journey that spanned seventy-six (76) years
filled with children, careers, support, and love for each other.
Active members in every church they called home, Muriel and Bob’s faith was not
just a belief but a vibrant part of their lives. She would often wheel her young children to
prayer services in a red wagon, imparting the timeless value of faith and the power of
prayer. Muriel loved music and enjoyed singing praises to the Lord. As her memory
faded she often just said “Praise the Lord!” She was an active member of Peninsula
Bible Church for over 40 years. After a move to Fresno, California to provide more care
Robert transitioned to heaven in June of 2022, leaving behind a legacy of love and faith.
Muriel wore many hats throughout her vibrant life - a designer, a tailor, a beloved
school community liaison, and gold-bonding in the fledgling semiconductor industry. Yet,
it was her role as the director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center now known as Real
Options Obria Medical Clinics, located throughout the Bay Area.What began as a
modest operation in downtown Mountain View, along with Marian Recine, blossomed
into a beacon of hope for countless women. With a heart full of compassion, Muriel
guided, taught, and nurtured, always directing those in need towards the solace of
prayer and the wisdom of the Bible.
One of the many things we will miss is her annual birthday calls. Muriel would
always take a moment to sing “ Happy Birthday” to family and friends, always leading
with her favorite verse: This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.
On Tuesday, February 8, 2024, Muriel went to be in the presence of the Lord at
the age of 103. She is survived by her children: Robert and Tana Thompson, Rhoda
Parhams, Sarah Blanks, Roger and Brenda Thompson, Sheila Thompson-Berry; her 11
grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces
and nephews throughout the country.
You are invited to attend funeral services on March 15, 2024, at noon, Skylawn
Memorial Park Highway 92 and Skyline Blvd. San Mateo, CA.
OR
*You are invited as a guest to the Viewneral®
When: Mar 15, 2024 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Viewneral Service Name: In Honor of Muriel Thompson
Please click the following link to join:
https://www.econdolence.com/o68pk6lu
Viewneral ID: 915 4487 8076
Password: 423717
Or iPhone one-tap:
US: +16692192599,,91544878076# or +16465189805,,91544878076#
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 669 219 2599 or +1 646 518 9805
Webinar ID: 915 4487 8076
International numbers may be available: https://viewneral.zoom.us/u/aYpWCerIm
Instead of flowers please make donations in Muriel’s name to: Real Options Obria
Medical Clinics: https://www.friendsofrealoptions.net/ways-to-give/
What’s your fondest memory of Muriel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Muriel?
Share a story where Muriel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Muriel you’ll never forget.
How did Muriel make you smile?