Jean Joan Zelaya Thompson

Jean Joan Chessman was born in San Pedro Sula Honduras, Central America, on July 5, 1937 to Ruby T. Watler and Ronald S. Chessman. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother and friend, who departed this life to her heavenly eternal home in glory on November 25, 2023. Both parents and her grandson, Galen, precede her in death.

She grew up and was educated in the school system of Honduras and migrated to America in 1956. She accepted and professed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and ensured that her children and grandchildren were taught the gospel, importance of tithing and church attendance. One of her favorite scriptures she read daily was Psalm 37.

She united with the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in November
1962 under the pastorship of the late Rev. Rueben Archield Sr.
She transferred her membership to the World of Pentecost Church under the leadership of Pastor Sides where she was active in the Children’s ministry and the Choir until her health failed.

She received her citizenship in May 1967 after perfecting the English language. She was employed at Luby’s Cafeteria for many years as the Lead cook; her final place of employment was at the Laurel Heights Methodist Church prior to her retirement.

She was joined in matrimony to the late Earl Zelaya and to this union the Lord blessed Joan with her daughters and her only son. She later met and married Stafford Lee Thompson and her youngest daughter was added to the family.

Her memory and legacy will be cherished by her daughters: Barbara Zelaya Randle (Lawrence, Jr), Glenda Zelaya, Sandra Zelaya Dallas (Jodie) ATL, Elaine Zelaya Jackson, Cynthia Thompson Green, and son, Bruce Zelaya (Cheryl); grandchildren, Tyshia (Gerard), Darrell Jr, Galen (deceased), Angela (Dominique), Lawrence 3rd (Ashley), Lauren (Joseph), Leah, Whitney (Charles), Bruce, Jeremy, Austen; ten great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, her loving adopted family that she adored, the Pennington’s: Mark, Angela, Steven, Candice, Kieyen, very special friend, Mrs. Ruth Butler, and a host of relatives and friends.