Lisa Ann Thompson

Lisa “Lee” Ann Thompson, age 63, who resided in Covington, LA, passed away peacefully at her home on November 24th, 2023. She was born on June 5th, 1960 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Franklin Delanore Thompson and the late Jani-Vee Mullins.

Lisa is survived by her beloved wife Yolande Marie Yaeger. She is survived by her siblings, Carol Thompson Hickman (David), Teresa Thompson Marcum (Bill), Frank Thompson (Jackie), Bryan Thompson (Belinda), Ruth Thompson Weiner (Charles), and Bruce Thompson (Tracy). Also, by her loving Aunt Charlene “Cookie” Stackman, along with numerous nieces and nephews; She was a fun and loving godmother to Hannah Rosenquist.

Lisa is preceded in death by her eldest brother, Fred Thompson (Debbie) and her Foster Mother Christine Klarman Tinnerello (Bob).

Lisa was a passionate mother to her fur babies, Judah, Dixie, Scotty, Paloma, Ashley and Jazz, all of whom preceded her in death and no doubt, were among the first to greet her at the gates of paradise.

Lisa was one of the most beautiful people you would ever want to meet. There was not anyone she met that she did not touch or change their life in some way. She was warm and kind, funny and witty. She was intelligent and wise beyond her years. She lived a very full and exciting life following her passions for music, dance, art, counseling and Christian ministry. She wanted to be an artist, a counselor and to serve and stand up for the despised and rejected.

God touched Lisa’s heart and called her to ministry at a very young age. She recounts how, as a little girl, she would sneak out the house and go across the street to the Sisters convent at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She would assist the nuns in ironing and other tasks for the priests. She was proud to be the first Altar Girl in that church.

As Lisa became a teenager, she was fostered by the Tinnerello’s. After graduating high school, she attended Ohio State University and there she pursued her love for art, acting and dance.

Lisa was well known in the gay community in Columbus, Ohio and New Orleans, LA for her performances as a Drag King in the 70’s and 80’s. Her stage name was Lee Austin. She performed all over the United States in clubs and special events. She also performed briefly with a Jazz ensemble, Champagne Taste, as the male lead. She won many awards and titles and the hearts of many fans over the years.

Lisa was ordained a Reverend in her early 30’s, though she did not like titles. She always said “your life will say who you are" and “they will know Christ through the love you show.” She completed her studies at Christ Evangelical Bible Institute in Phoenix, AZ and completed an AA Bible Theology degree at Global University International and was ordained as Rev. Lisa with Grace Ministries, Joshua Ministries and Joan Wakeford Ministries. She served as Vice President of Grace Ministries in 1997-1999. She worked as a Life Coach after completing training with Coach Training Alliance. She also completed Autodesk Civil 3D training and most recently worked as a 3D drafter/Designer with Project Consulting Services in Metairie, LA which she thoroughly enjoyed.

She primarily served as a Pastor because she had a huge pastor’s heart. She had a vision for the gay community, and a revelation regarding restoration for all people to come to know the love of God in Christ. Chances are if you heard her preach at a conference, she was preaching on Restoration. She also served as a teacher, prophetic minister in prayer and song and home group leader for many years.

She co-founded with her wife, several churches, and ministries, including Abundant Grace Christian Fellowship in Covington, LA (1994-1998) and The Gathering Place Worship Center in Austin TX (2001-2004) and The Gathering Place Worship Center in Kenner, LA (2009-2016). Lisa also served in several ministerial capacities including Prophetic Intercession and Prayer Partner Ministries and helped establish the Home Group ministry in MCC Long Beach Church/Glory Tabernacle in Long Beach, CA (1998-2004). She pastored Kingdom Seekers in Austin TX (2004-2005) and New Life Church in New Orleans (2008-2009). She also co-founded with her wife, Eagles Nest Ministries School of Worship and the Arts (2004-2011).

Lisa wrote that her fondest memories were working with the Nuns, singing with her sisters and Mother “I am the Happiest Girl in the Whole USA” and playing Big Valley with her brother Frank. Her proudest moments were marrying her wife, Yolande, officiating the wedding of her brother Frank and Jackie, and officiating her Mother and Father’s vow renewal. Her proudest career accomplishment was designing a water plant screening device to protect baby turtles from being hurt. "😊 Save a turtle”.

Day to day, Lisa enjoyed cooking and baking, training herself in the culinary arts; she loved gardening and relaxing on the back patio watching the squirrels and birds. She even began painting small canvases which she has given to family members.

Lisa will be fondly remembered for all these things and so much more. She will be deeply missed. Her memory will live on in us. Rest in peace my sweet, sweet girl.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Gathering with reception on Sunday, Dec. 3rd, 2023 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm at Saint Charles Avenue Baptist Church, 7100 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118. Prayer service will begin at 2:30 PM. Please enter through the Chapel entrance facing St. Charles Ave. The church is on the corner of Broadway and St. Charles Ave. (Street parking available only).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Lisa “Lee” Thompson can be made to any Animal Rescue.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gracenorthshore.com for the Thompson family.