Mrs. Ethel Ree (Brantley) Thompson-Hensley, 91, was born to Suzie (Pass) Brantley and Clinton Brantley on August 27, 1934, in Royston, Georgia. She was the oldest of all her siblings. She made her transition to eternal life on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Wooded Glen in Springfield, Ohio.

Ethel attended Springfield High School and worked for and retired from Mercy Medical Center. She loved family, her first passion, and it always showed. She would always say, “I love you no matter what.” A true matriarch who will be greatly missed. 

Ethel accepted God at an early age and worshiped at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Greater First Baptist Church, Highlight Baptist Church, Middle Run Baptist Church, and United A.M.E. Church. She was a current member of Gospel Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C. and continued serving faithfully until she gained her wings .Ethel also had a passion for serving the Lord and singing. Ethel sang with several groups and in many churches. She was requested to sing solos at many churches throughout Ohio and to sing at many homegoings and weddings. She sang acapella and would sing her favorite song, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” Several family members remember how awesome it was to watch her captivate her audience as she walked the aisles. She also performed at Memorial Hall in Springfield and would love to tell the story of one of the groups she sang with, opening for The Mighty Clouds of Joy. She mastered her God-given talent.

She was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Thomas Lewis Thompson Jr. To their union, four children were born, Carolyn (Bruce) Dudley, Wanda (Curtis) Truss Jr., Kenneth Thompson (Barbara), and Vivian Thompson-Williams (Kenneth Williams). Grandchildren, Trina Dixon, Terrell Williams (Danielle), Kenneth Thompson Jr., RaShawn Truss (Danielle), Tamika Thompson, Christine Gullatte (Jay), Loren Williams (Ann), Brandon Truss, Bruce Aaron Dudley, Damica Truss and Safiyyah Truss. Great-grandchildren, DeAndre, Dionne, and Jacory Dixon; Evangela Thompson; Aniyah and Jaylah Truss; Tavian, Kaliyah, and Nylah Williams; Edison Wright and Darrion Monroe; D’Mikal Jefferson; Sharyiona Smoot and Tyrone Gullatte Jr.; Tra’Quan Gaines and Lauren Williams; and Khaalid, Kairu, and Khemaya Truss. Great-great-grandchildren, Samiya, Jameis, Nicholas, Ivori, Cadence, Izyah, Rhyan, Kasyn, Layla, My’Ana, and Zyariah.Sisters: Rose Trimble, Patricia Brantley, Cydney F. Wright, Kathy Brantley, and Penny Whitaker; brother, Clinton Brantley (Glenda Irvin); sister-cousin, Sara Rudolph (Robert); sisters-in-law, Odessa B. Larkin, Martha Brantley, and Faye Brantley. Special friends, Garnetta Moore (Eric), Betty Jones, and Rose Moss. Ethel will always be loved and remembered by her close friends, along with a host of other relatives, friends, and church members. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Thomas Lewis Thompson Jr.; treasured in-laws, Lucille and Thomas Lewis Thompson Sr.; three brothers, James, Michael, and Ray Brantley; great-granddaughter, Justice Gullatte; cousins, White Mae, Martha Mason, and Norris Pass (raised as siblings); and a goddaughter, Imelda Lewis, along with a host of relatives, friends, and church members.

Visitation is Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon in Restored Life Ministries. Burial will be Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 12 noon in Ferncliff Cemetery.

Repast will start at 3:30pm on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Kore 4 Soul Food Kitchen, 608 W. Southern Ave., Springfield OH 45506.