ORLANDO, Fla. — Hundreds of people gathered Friday to say their final farewell to State Sen. Geraldine Thompson.

She died on Feb. 13 after complications from knee surgery.

As people flocked to Majestic Life Church in Orlando, it became clear how many lives Thompson impacted.

Among those wanting to pay respects was Reginald McGill, who said he knew Thompson most of his life.

“This is about a celebration of a life well spent, as opposed to being sad,” said McGill.

Thompson was passionate about education, opening doors for so many, serving as the director of the Equal Opportunity Office at Valencia College. She was also a trailblazer in the government, serving in the Florida Legislature from 2006 up until her death. Former Sen. Arthenia Joyner served alongside her and said she believed the state of Florida is better off because of her.

“Her legacy was one of a fighter who stood up, stand out and never backed down from what she believed in, regardless as to whether others agree with her enough and consequently it was like a passing of a baton to the next generation that is in the legislature,” said Joyner.

Former state Rep. Dick Batchelor said Thompson made an impact on both sides of the aisle.

“Even though you might not be in the same public party, the same political agenda, you listen to Sen. Geraldine Thompson,” he said.

Aside from her prolific career, she also had a fulfilling family life.

“Her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her great grandchild were such a blessing, and so she was able to get here, but not at the expense of her family,” said McGill.

While her absence is already felt, Batchelor said her impact will never be forgotten.

“Geraldine Thompson, she was a legend, she was a drug major, she was a voice for the voiceless," he said. "Now let’s see if they could go keep that legend alive."

Her friends also said Thompson was extremely proud of the work that she did on Wells’Built, a museum of African American history and culture in downtown Orlando. They said that anyone who wants to honor her legacy can make a donation there.