State Senator Geraldine Thompson dies at 76

Florida state Senator for District 15 Geraldine Thompson died Feb. 13 at the age of 76 after complications from knee surgery, according to her family. Thompson, a long-time teacher, school administrator and politician, represented the people of West and Northwest Orange County — including Ocoee, Oakland and part of Winter Garden.

"Her tireless work in education, healthcare and civil rights, including her leadership to establish the Wells' Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando, reflected her unwavering commitment to creating a better world for future generations," said the Thompson family in a statement.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Thompson moved to Florida in 1955 and worked as a teacher for Orange County Public Schools for six years before becoming an administrator at Valencia Community College for 24 years. 

Thompson began her political career in 2006 as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 39th district, serving in that role until 2012. She then served one term in the state senate from 2012-16 before returning to the state house for another four-year term in 2018. In 2022, she made her way back to the state senate by winning the District 15 election.