Married 64 years . . . and counting

The rich African-American culture of St. Petersburg, Florida, expands across substantial bridges and the radiant waters of Tampa Bay. Another mark of strength tucked tightly within the fabric of a south side community is the storybook romance of two sacred hearts.

Bobby and Eloise Thompson

Bobby Thompson and Eloise (Thompson) Thompson played together as children in the neighborhoods of south St. Petersburg, attending Jordan Elementary School. The two started dating while attending Gibbs, St. Petersburg’s only African- American high school in the 50s. Their common interests were apparent, even as young, dynamic students. Bobby was quite the star athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball, excelling in each sport. Eloise, also athletic, was a cheerleader and starting guard on the girls’ basketball team. After graduating, the popular campus couple married October 1, 1956.

From the beginning, Bobby and Eloise had many common appeals and similarities. Bobby was born February 24, 1937, to Archie and Jessie Mae Thompson. Eloise was born February 2, 1938, to Charles Thompson, Jr., and Florence Thompson. Local midwives delivered the babies at their respective family homes. Each lost their dads earlier in life; however, Bobby’s mother is now 104-years-old and remains in St. Petersburg. Likewise, Eloise’s mother is 99-years-old and still lives in her hometown of St. Petersburg.

Bobby is the middle child in his family, with one brother and a sister. Eloise is the eldest of eight, with six younger sisters and one brother. St. Petersburg has always been the primary home for all the siblings on both sides of the family, except Bobby’s younger sister splits her time between Connecticut and Florida.

The Thompson’s have five children, four daughters and one son. In age order, the eldest, Debra Still, lives with her family in an expansive Tampa neighborhood. Gail Washington and her family live in a suburb outside Orlando. The middle child, Taundra Purnell, also lives in an Orlando suburb. Their son, Darrell Thompson, lives with his family in the St. Petersburg Pinellas Point neighborhood. And, the youngest of the clan, Bonnie Thompson, resides in a townhouse within minutes of her parents’ Lakewood Estates home.

In addition to relishing time with their children, Bobby and Eloise enjoy mixing the holidays, family reunions and other special outings with the nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

The couple remains an endearing family in south St. Petersburg, making history by establishing a sophisticated standard of living model for the African American community.

Bobby and Eloise out on the town

When they first married, Bobby attended Gibbs Junior College on a baseball scholarship. After two years, he completed his education at Florida A&M University (FAMU). The two youngest children lived with the couple in Tallahassee during this period of time, while the older children remained in St. Petersburg with family. Once Bobby graduated, the couple returned to St. Petersburg and purchased a new home. Eloise decided to continue her education at FAMU, securing the children with Bobby in their home. She initially earned a Bachelor’s in elementary education, and later received a double master’s - one degree in administrative supervision for elementary education and another as a reading specialist for kindergarten – junior college.

Eloise was in the classroom for more than 30 years, retiring in 1999 from Gulfport Elementary after serving as the Acting Vice Principal under the supervision of four principals.

Bobby worked 27 years for the Veteran Services (VA) since graduating college, retiring early. The couple moved from their first home in St. Petersburg at 3698 Abington Avenue, where the children were predominately raised, to a new custom built two-story house in Lakewood Estates in 1978.

When asked how to sustain a marriage through thick and thin times, both answered without hesitation.

“Forgive and forget,” Eloise said. “Put Christ at your head and do the right thing. You have to be committed, because you will have your ups and downs,” she added.

Bobby said, “Love one another." He said he has always loved his wife.

To help keep their sparkle, the two enjoy traveling together, but incorporate activities apart. Bobby, a passionate golfer, is happy extending time on the golf course when his wife is traveling. Eloise, a Golden Life Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, enjoys traveling with her daughters, exclusive excursions to sorority functions, and singing in her church choir. She is also a member of the Tampa Bay Community Choir.

“I always liked to sing, even in high school I was a member of the Gibbs choir,” Eloise said. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the choirs are all on hold now,” she explained.

Some of their most memorable travel includes trips to Europe.

“I remember going to London on a trip with Bobby and my mother,” said Eloise. “My niece was in England playing a soccer game so we went to watch her play.”

While Eloise has more passport stamps than Bobby, the two have enjoyed many international trips together and with family and friends. In 2018, Eloise, accompanied by Gail, traveled to Japan and South Korea to visit Taundra. Due to COVID-19, the couple is now staying close to home, adhering to the CDC travel guidelines and restrictions.

In addition to golf, Bobby coached little league baseball for more than 40 years. For many years, he played baseball with Oliver’s Alouettes, a St. Petersburg African-American team during the 50s and 60s. In 2011, Bobby was inducted into the Gibbs Junior College Hall of Fame for his baseball achievements while attending the all-black institution that started in 1957 but disbanded in 1967, merging into St. Petersburg Junior College.

The Thompsons historic example of an enduring marriage in an African American family contradicts statistics and provides hope and guidance for young relationships.

According to the U. S. Census, African American households are the least likely to contain a married couple, compared to other racial/ethnic groups. However, surveys indicate a high value placed on marriage among African Americans.

Bobby and Eloise are centered among family, living each day with respect for each other and the bond of love they share. Caring for family, friends, and neighbors, the couple remains a prominent pillar of strength within their south St. Petersburg community, like a bridge over the radiant waters of Tampa Bay.

Forgive and forget. Commitment. God. Love.

DONATE/SUBSCRIBE

Florida's Truth Be Told Inc. is a nonprofit organization, supported by donations. Please subscribe and donate to our cause. You will only receive the same family-friendly news as published on our site. Send your email to lcleveland5@gmail.com. To Donate, make checks or money orders payable to Florida's Truth Be Told, and mail to:

3510 NW 91st St, Unit 154, Gainesville, FL 32606. Thank you.