ORLANDO, Fla. — Condolences continue to pour in for Senator Geraldine Thompson, hours after her death was announced Thursday night. Thompson’s family confirmed in a statement that the 76-year-old passed away due to complications from a knee surgery.

Instantly, there was an overflow of support for her family. Many reflecting on the lawmaker who spent much of her life serving Central Florida, fighting for justice and preserving Black history.


What You Need To Know

  • Senator Geraldine Thompson died following complications from a knee surgery

  • State Representatives and local leaders have been reflecting on the life and accolades of Senator Thompson since the news of her death Thursday evening

  • Thompson helped to establish the Wells'Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando

  • Thompson served two terms as a State Representative before being elected to the Senate in 2022. She served a total of 10 years

Thompson got her start in the Florida legislature in 2006 serving two terms in the House of Representatives. When elected to serve in the house for a second term in 2018, Thompson became the first woman, and the first African American to serve District 44.

In 2022, Thompson became a Florida Senator serving District 15, which includes parts of Orange County.

From Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to State Representatives like Maxwell Frost, people have reflected on the work that Senator Thompson was passionate about.

“Devastated to learn about the passing of State Senator Geraldine Thompson, who will be incredibly missed. She worked tirelessly each day to ensure a stronger community for every person in our city and throughout the state of Florida. Her leadership and advocacy were incredibly impactful in shaping a more inclusive and compassionate Orlando and in helping our community celebrate Black history year round. Senator Thompson’s dedicated service will never be forgotten,” Dyer expressed.

“[Thompson] paved the way for many, including myself, to step up and serve our communities,” Frost said.

From fighting for things like civil rights to the preservation of history, her colleagues say she was a force for justice.

“It’s a huge loss for many of us from a political perspective,” said State Rep. Anna Eskamani. “But at the end of the day, the loss of a loved one is very heavy on me, too. So, I’m just thinking of her family right now.”

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings was also among the many local leaders that shared his thoughts on the late senator.

“She was a tireless advocate for the underprivileged, and her effectiveness will be missed in the Florida legislature,” he said in part of his statement.

Thompson was known for helping to establish the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando.

A museum she also helped to contribute to with her book, Black America: Orlando Florida, which compiles the local history of Blacks in Central Florida.

On top of being a recipient of the Civil Rights Wall of Fame in Orlando, Thompson was the recipient of the Humanitarian award for the Orlando International film festival, according to her biography on the Florida Department of State’s Historical resources division page.

Thompson also worked to have the Groveland Four exonerated, which happened in 2021 after 72 years, paving the way for roads to be named after the men involved.

Eskamani said that even when some lawmakers didn’t agree with the bills that Thompson was fighting for, everyone respected her and wanted to listen when she spoke.

“That’s the kind of leader that she was. And I just don’t know who’s going to fill in that gap. Not just on so many issues but just values and being that incredible force of good….force of justice,” she said.