Senator Geraldine Fortenberry Thompson, a dedicated public servant and civil rights advocate, passed away on February 13, 2025, at the age of 76, due to complications from knee replacement surgery.
Born on November 18, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Thompson moved to Florida in 1955. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Miami-Dade Community College, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Miami, and a Master of Science from Florida State University.
Thompson’s career was marked by a steadfast commitment to education and public service. She worked as a teacher for Orange County Public Schools for six years before serving as an administrator at Valencia Community College for 24 years.
Her political journey began in 2006 when she was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 39th District until 2012. She then served in the Florida Senate from 2012 to 2016 and returned to the House from 2018 to 2022. In 2022, she was re-elected to the Senate, representing District 15 until her passing.
Beyond her legislative work, Thompson was a passionate advocate for preserving African American history. She founded the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando, dedicated to preserving the stories and memorabilia of the Civil Rights Movement and African art.
Thompson is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family praised her as “so much more than a dedicated public servant and visionary leader,” highlighting her roles as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
