United Negro College Fund envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education... moreUnited Negro College Fund envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.
UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.
UNCF’s North Star is to increase the total annual number of African American college graduates by focusing on activities that ensure more students are college-ready, enroll in college and persist to graduation. This is done through a three-pillar strategy. Positioning member institutions as a viable college option for students and investing in institutional capacity to improve student outcomes; creating transformational support programs to ensure students are enrolling and persisting through college completion; building awareness of educational attainment and cultivating college-going behaviors within the African American community. less
Welcome to our family’s memorial page to celebrate the life of Dr. Florian Thompson. Gathering your stories, pictures, and memories will offer us great comfort. As we plan virtual and in person gatherings, we will share all details here. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial for our beloved... see moreWelcome to our family’s memorial page to celebrate the life of Dr. Florian Thompson. Gathering your stories, pictures, and memories will offer us great comfort. As we plan virtual and in person gatherings, we will share all details here. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial for our beloved Florian “Flo”.
OBITUARY
Dear Family & Friends,
It is with tremendous grief and sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Florian, after a valiant cancer battle. He joined our Heavenly Father on the evening of August 4th, 2020 at 6:09 PM Pacific Time. We are holding a celebration of his magnificent life on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at 12:00 PM Pacific Time/3:00 PM Eastern Time. PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST 15 MINUTES PRIOR to event start time. Due to the... see more
Dear Family & Friends,
It is with tremendous grief and sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Florian, after a valiant cancer battle. He joined our Heavenly Father on the evening of August 4th, 2020 at 6:09 PM Pacific Time. We are holding a celebration of his magnificent life on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at 12:00 PM Pacific Time/3:00 PM Eastern Time. PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST 15 MINUTES PRIOR to event start time. Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, the memorial service will be held virtually. Celebration of Life ceremony log-in details and a direct link can be found on the “Events” section of this memorial page. PLEASE READ detailed event information on the “Events” section, by selecting "see more". Technical Support information is also located here for your convenience.
An electronic copy of the Celebration of Life Program has been posted on the “Posts”, or “Photos” section of this memorial page. We look forward to celebrating Florian’s life with those who love him, as we do.
I have known Flo since 1972. Too many great memories to put on one page. The Higginbotham Family sends its deepest condolences to the Thompson Family at this most difficult time. Florian will always be remembered in our hearts. Mike Higginbotham
**A MESSAGE FROM OUR MINISTER WHO WILL DELIVER DR. THOMPSON’S EULOGY AT THE SERVICE TODAY**
Dear family,
My name is Gerry Locklear, I would like to extend my warmest and heartfelt sympathy to each and everyone of the family of Dr. Florian Thompson.... more**A MESSAGE FROM OUR MINISTER WHO WILL DELIVER DR. THOMPSON’S EULOGY AT THE SERVICE TODAY**
Dear family,
My name is Gerry Locklear, I would like to extend my warmest and heartfelt sympathy to each and everyone of the family of Dr. Florian Thompson. Our prayers are with you that God will strengthen you and comfort you doing these days of loss. Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your Thanksgiving and Memorial services for Dr. Thompson.
Gerry and Sheril Locklear
Missionaries to the Native Americans less
I met Florian in 8th grade at Emerson Jr. High school. He was very different from all the other guys we went to school. For someone so young, as I reflect back, he were very interesting. We would talk about life after high school. His plan was to... moreI met Florian in 8th grade at Emerson Jr. High school. He was very different from all the other guys we went to school. For someone so young, as I reflect back, he were very interesting. We would talk about life after high school. His plan was to attend Beverly Hills high and that was my hope; however, after graduating from Emerson, he attended Beverly and I attended University High school. Nevertheless, I would run into him from time to time at various events we would speak catch up and move on but we lost touch over the years. I always knew Florian would do great and mighty things because of our brief but deep conversations. It was not until a few days ago that I learned we shared the same birthday. Florian Happy Heavenly Birthday. I pray that you continue to touch the lives of others even now. To the Thompson Family, you are in my prayers.
I only met Florian for a short time, while staying at the Tiverton House, UCLA. I was led by the Holy Spirit to befriend him, and ask if I could pray for him. Florian and I had a beautiful conversation, and I was SOOO honored to pray for him. We talked a... moreI only met Florian for a short time, while staying at the Tiverton House, UCLA. I was led by the Holy Spirit to befriend him, and ask if I could pray for him. Florian and I had a beautiful conversation, and I was SOOO honored to pray for him. We talked a few more time, before he entered into Heaven. I can see why he was SO well loved! What an AMAZING man...I am SO grateful for the opportunity to be together, visit and pray. He certainly left a deep imprint on my heart! I am SO VERY SORRY for your loss, your grief, and your pain! less
It is with profound sadness that I offer prayers and condolences to the Thompson family for the loss of their beloved baby brother, Florian. Florian indeed left us too soon. I pray that God brings you all some level of peace and resolve during these... moreIt is with profound sadness that I offer prayers and condolences to the Thompson family for the loss of their beloved baby brother, Florian. Florian indeed left us too soon. I pray that God brings you all some level of peace and resolve during these difficult times. Remember the good times as they will sustain you going forward. Blessings to the family. Florian, Rest in Peace.
Camille Lewis less
Four months ago, I thought we’d start chemotherapy and my strong uncle would beat the odds and be headed towards remission. This is not the outcome I desired, nor expected. Quite frankly, I’m devastated. I’ve been on autopilot... moreDear Uncle Florian,
Four months ago, I thought we’d start chemotherapy and my strong uncle would beat the odds and be headed towards remission. This is not the outcome I desired, nor expected. Quite frankly, I’m devastated. I’ve been on autopilot since August 4th and trying to honor your wishes, while maintaining my life. I miss you terribly. I miss our daily chats, intellectual jostling, debating sociopolitical issues, breaking down the pathogenesis of coronavirus, and just simply hearing your voice, your laugh, seeing your face and smile on FaceTime. The loss of your spirit from this earth is heartbreaking. You were one of my favorite people on this earth. I don’t think I’ve grieved yet. I’m still in shock. I almost dialed your phone the other day just because I needed a connection to you. My favorite uncle. Your impact on my life has been tremendous. I remember our weekend runs in Will Rogers Park and you telling Ari and me to keep up. You were my Superman uncle. My mind and heart can’t reconcile the loss of you. One of the characteristics I loved most about you is that you always encouraged people and never tore them down. You believed in the capability of others, sometimes more than they believed in themselves. You took notice of personal aptitude and pushed others to be and do their best. You genuinely wanted the best for others and were displeased with tearing people down. I take comfort in knowing that you knew how much I loved you and that those words were the last words you heard from me. My love for you is everlasting and my memories of you will last always. I hope those that have been touched by your loss will remember to treat others well and recognize our time here is temporary.
I remember my brother when he was just a little boy. He was so funny and very interesting. He was super smart, always wanting to go hunting for lizards, so we could watch him remove the legs and arms and then sew them back together again. He told us it... moreI remember my brother when he was just a little boy. He was so funny and very interesting. He was super smart, always wanting to go hunting for lizards, so we could watch him remove the legs and arms and then sew them back together again. He told us it was okay the legs and arms would grow back on the lizard. The head of the worm may survive and regenerate if the animal is cut behind the bump near their heads. Then we would watch the lizards and worms wiggle around, sort of like Frankenstein lol. Little did we know he would grow up to be a Doctor of Dental Surgery. He was also a great little altar boy it meant so much to him. Now he is with God and maybe he is conducting mass even as we speak, that was Florian always busy. less
Flo was one of a kind. Always a smile and something positive to say. Unbelievable how many times I ran into him at the beach in Santa Monica. He enjoyed his runs there very much. Thank you Flo for your care and protection of Brian and his family all... moreFlo was one of a kind. Always a smile and something positive to say. Unbelievable how many times I ran into him at the beach in Santa Monica. He enjoyed his runs there very much. Thank you Flo for your care and protection of Brian and his family all these years. Rest well my friend!
A dear friend once shared this with me about loosing someone you love and I really found comfort in it:
"Think of them as the earth and the moon. The moon came from the earth, and as it separated, it went out and it’s just there. It’s not part of the earth anymore, but it’s just there, going around this earth beautifully affecting it. Every night, every day, making the tides, the life, the motion. All you have to look up and see the reflection of the sun on this beautiful surface, glowing. Glowing.
For those who go, think of them the same way. Your little world, now they’re the moon and hopefully, they’re going to affect you in the most beautiful way that you will remember their memory, the tides, the life, the drama. And on those particular nights when it is really dark, they will glow and there’ll be a little light for you. Not only to admire but maybe see by." less
It’s strange to think of how long I have known Florian. I met him in 1997 when I began dating his nephew, Brian. Florian greeted me with a smile, and it never once left his face the entire time I’ve known him. Florian loved to laugh! Because... moreIt’s strange to think of how long I have known Florian. I met him in 1997 when I began dating his nephew, Brian. Florian greeted me with a smile, and it never once left his face the entire time I’ve known him. Florian loved to laugh! Because Brian and Florian have always been so close, Florian has been a part of our daily family life - our boys are now their father's age in this picture! Florian’s impact on all of our lives has been immeasurable.
With all of our hearts, we love and will forever miss you uncle Flo.
-Alison Johnson
(Pictured Left to Right; Damian McCray, Florian Thompson, Brian Johnson) less