of Little Rock, AR
March 9, 1917 - December 30, 2020
Emma "Gail" Tompkins was born in Plainview, Arkansas on March 9, 1917. She went home to see Jesus on December 30, 2020, just a few months shy of her 104th birthday.
Gail is preceded in death by her father, Fred C. Kirkpatrick, Sr. and her stepmother, Nola Kirkpatrick, her husband Melvin M Tompkins Sr., her son Mel Tompkins Jr., and her brothers, Fred Kirkpatrick and Kenneth Kirkpatrick.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, L. Kirk and Susie Tompkins, daughter-in-law Ann Tompkins, 7 grandchildren: Laura Tompkins Gottstein (Andy), Karen White (Keith), Susan Tompkins, Merri Chandler, Lee Tompkins (Blair), Holly Singleton (Steven) and Kerry Davis (Devin), 20 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Gail Martin (Mike), Kim Kirkpatrick (Donald Nicholson), Tori Kirkpatrick Bridges (Bruce), Beth Janes (Randy), Lyn Franquemont (Jim) and Fred Kirkpatrick III (Mary).
Gail grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas and after graduation from high school, attended business college. She and her husband Mel also met in Fort Smith and were married for 67 years. Gail and Mel owned and operated Allied Arkansas Bearing company in Little Rock from 1947 to 1975.
Gail was a youth Sunday school teacher at Second Baptist and Calvary Baptist and she enjoyed teaching about the Lord and life. She and her husband were benefactors for many young people, helping send them to college, seminary, medical school and the mission field. She was a gracious hostess, sharing her home as an extension of her service to Christ and always giving people a place of honor at her table. She was an avid reader, sharing books with friends and family whenever she completed a book. Over the past few years, when her eyesight was failing, she still listened daily to audiobooks.
Gail, or G.G., as her grandchildren called her, was a mentor and a friend to many. She adapted to the changes in life over the past century and she was always ready with a wise answer from gardening, decorating, and cooking tips to a Biblical reference or history lesson. When asked about her secret to living a long life, she always answered that the Lord knows the number of days he has given us and my number is not up yet. She leaves behind a legacy of service and loyalty and we know that she is rejoicing that her number has been called and she is finally in the presence of her Lord and Savior.
The Tompkins family would like to thank Visiting Angel Tosha Whitcher for being a wonderful caregiver and Baptist Health Hospice for their service.
A private family graveside will be at Riverwood Memorial Gardens in Maumelle, Arkansas.
Sign Guestbook
9 Condolence(s)
Kirstin Johnson
Monday, January 4, 2021
I’m so thankful to have had Ms. Gail as a dear family friend my entire life. She was absolutely our third grandmother! I will forever treasure the visits we shared from sitting in church together at Calvary, to singing her favorite hymns for her in her living room, family meals on Carter Lane, Christmas visits, to bringing each of my babies to meet THE Ms. Gail. As Mom said, the beautiful ceramics she made will forever have a place in my Christmas decor. She was never shy about telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth and making you laugh in the process. She was incredibly encouraging, loving, selfless, bold, and hospitable. Thank you, Tompkins Family, for sharing her with the McMullan/Swindler Families! Praising our Lord and Savior for eternal life in Him and rejoicing that Ms. G is with Him today.
Jim Jenkins
Sunday, January 3, 2021
Gail was a lovely lady and I was blessed to have her as my friend since 1957
Sheri and Bryce Swindler
Sunday, January 3, 2021
My Ms. Gail...from being my Training Union teacher at Calvary to being a third grandmother to me, my kids, and my grandchildren...I have known and loved her for over 50 years. When our children were little, they sat with Ms. Gail and Mr. Mel during church while I sat in the choir and Bryce had sound booth duties. I'll never forget her hospitality at Glorieta, and all of the delicious Tex/Mex meals she served to us. What a treasure she has been! Not only was she such a giving soul, she was so interesting to talk to, and had wisdom to impart to all who would listen! Always dressed to the nines in her lovely clothes and jewelry, she had really funny stories to share. She was so spunky! I wanted to be like her when I grew up! She loved every single one of her family members fiercely, and would defend them to the end. She loved me and my family. For the past several years, we never knew if that time would be the last, so we made sure to tell each other that we loved each other. I would not be lying if I said that I would hardly have any Christmas decorations if not for her. Not only did she make several beautiful ceramic decorations for me, but she unselfishly gave us many other fun Christmas decorations. I will never forget my precious friend. She was like none other! And now she is at her ultimate destination...with her Jesus!
To the family: Thank you for allowing us to be a part of Ms. Gail's life. We adored her, and your dear Daddy. We're so thankful our paths crossed so many years ago. Our deepest gratitude and condolences to all of you.
Jeanette Ablondi
Sunday, January 3, 2021
Gail will be missed by many that loved her.Always a kind word and a peaceful smile. Many stores she shared about her family . I always enjoyed the visits with Mel and Gail .Prayers and hugs.
DR AND MRS H F "BUNNY" AND JUNE BROWN
Sunday, January 3, 2021
JUNE AND I WANT TO SUBMIT OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO THE TOMPKIN'S FAMILY. GAIL HAS NOW SEEN THE FACE OF GOD AND IS HAVING THE FEAST THAT HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR HER AND SHE WILL HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE IN THE PLACE THAT HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR HER IN HEAVEN. SHE WILL BE MISSED WITH HER BEAUTIFUL SMILE AND HER IMPECABLE DRESS. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.
DR & MRS BUNNY BROWN
Vivian kesler
Friday, January 1, 2021
Gail, a beautiful lady with Godly wisdom and loved by all who knew you. You will be greatly missed.
sharyon kiddy
Friday, January 1, 2021
My sincere condolences to the Tompkins family.
I loved her so much and will miss our Thurs. afternoons.
What a great example she has been to so many people.
She used her time here well and will leave a void to all who loved
her and benefited from her wisdom.
All my love to you Gail until we meet again.
Sharyon Kiddy
Barbara G Norton
Friday, January 1, 2021
We love you and miss you. You were a strong force in our family, always a loving Christian.
Barb
Kathleen Kinkel
Thursday, December 31, 2020
A great Lady who captured my heart the first time we met. I will never forget her smile and her way of making all feel comfortable around her.
We will meet again sweet Gail in a wonderful home where Jesus is our King.
Love to your family and so many friends who enjoyed your presence.