Otis Thompson

II

Otis Thompson, II, affectionately known as "Noonie," was born on July 9, 1970, to the late Otis and Annie Ruth Thompson in Englewood, New Jersey. Noonie attended the Englewood School System and graduated in 1988 from Dwight Morrow High School.
Noonie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by his grandfather, the late Reverend William Samuel, Jr. Noonie was something more. He was a self-learner, and some would say a prodigy. When you saw Reverend Samuel, you would see Noonie following behind him, learning to do all types of masonry and construction work. Noonie learned how to drive a Bobcat at the age of seven.
When Reverend Samuel bought Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Englewood, Noonie developed an interest in music. With that, he studied the drums, piano, and organ with Professor William H. Collins, Jr., of Mount Herman Baptist Church in the Bronx, New York. Under the guiding eyes of his grandmother, Nannie; mother, Annie Ruth; father, Otis; cousin, Shirley Ann; and friends, they began to build a ministry of singing that formed Choir #2. Choir #2's music became legendary in Englewood.
When Noonie became a teenager, he became the piano player in the church. When Noonie hit the keys, music came at you from everywhere, with unusual chords and rhythms that brought everyone to their feet. When he held his head back, he had an unexpected singing voice that made everyone think he had the makings of a future preacher. He went on to take his music ministry to Lebanon Baptist Church of Westwood, Mount Zion Baptist Church of Westwood, and Ebenezer Baptist Church in Englewood.
Noonie was a truck driver for over 35 years. He wanted to drive trucks like his father. Noonie was big in the church and loved by everyone. He had fun and lived life large and out loud. When he walked into a room, there was always a smile, a hug, and then complete laughter.
Fraternally, he became a member of Shiloh Lodge No. 53, Free & Accepted Masons, PHA, in 2010, continuing a family legacy. In January 2023, he joined Queen of Sheba Chapter No. 4, Order of the Eastern Star, PHA, under the leadership of his sister, Cissy.
Growing up, Noonie was THAT big brother and protector of his sister, Cissy. His cousins and his closest friends were more like sisters and brothers. Family was EVERYTHING to him. His greatest joy in life was his son, William "Pop." He was a proud father and a proud uncle.
Noonie was predeceased by his grandparents, Reverend William Samuel, Jr., and Nannie Bell Samuel, and his parents, Otis and Annie Ruth Thompson.
Otis Thompson II leaves to cherish his loving memory his son, William; his sister, Anne Electa (Michael); three nephews, Samuel (Maria), Ronald, Jr., and Messiah; three grandnieces, Aleena, Adelyn, and Ariella; godchildren JeNaya, Jamani, Leilah, and Lauren; a loving companion, Vanessa; and her daughter, Vanea, who held a special place in his heart and whom he loved as his own; and a host of cousins and friends.
No matter where he went or what he did, for Otis, the church and the goodness of God were always in him. His path always led him back to the church, where he gave everything his all.