Democrat Geraldine Thompson dies following complications from knee surgery

Democrat Geraldine Thompson will be remembered as one of the most popular state senators in recent memory in Florida. That's no easy feat considering she was a Democrat in a state that's becoming more and more solidly red in recent years.

Family, friends, and fans of Thompson are mourning the recent passing of the age 76 former state senator.

Thompson died after losing her battle against complications arising from a recent knee replacement surgery.

State Sen. Thompson had been active in Florida's government up until the day of her death on Feb. 13, serving as a state senator and a member of the state house for many years. Thousands of people attended a funeral service for Thompson at Orlando's Majestic Life Church. Many of them wore scarves, one of the trademark fashion accessories Thompson wore during her life.

Before entering politics, Geraldine Thompson served as a teacher in Florida. Thompson received a standing ovation during her funeral service and will be remembered for years to come.

"We lost a giant in the community, but we have to carry on. The best way we can do that, and coming together and continuing to do the things that Geraldine Thompson stood for," Urban League president Allie Braswell said in a statement the day of the ceremony.

Perhaps Thompson's biggest accomplishment was her ability to work with Republicans across the aisle on issues that were important to her.

Regardless of how you feel about gun control measures, Republicans in Florida thought that Thompson was reasonable enough to work with after she proposed stricter gun control measures following the 2018 Parkland school massacre.

Another part of Thompson's legacy is the Tyre Sampson Ride Safety Act, which became law after an age 14 boy fell to his death from an I-Drive ride.

The boy lives on in the spirit of the bill, which "protects others on our state’s rides and attractions with required inspections, engineering certifications, and mandatory employee training and it will do so for generations."

Thompson was also regarded as one of the best historical preservationists of history in Florida, mostly focusing on the accomplishment of the state's Black community.

Regardless of how you feel about Thompson or her liberal policies, there's no doubt that her death is hitting citizens in Florida hard.

We pray for her husband, senior District Appeal Court Judge Emerson Thompson; and children Laurise, Emerson III, and Elizabeth; who survive her, as well as the rest of those in Florida as they mourn the loss of this prominent woman.