FELICIA BOBBITT THOMPSON, 52, of Las Vegas, passed away Dec. 26, 2011. She was born Nov. 21, 1959 in Las Vegas, where she was a lifetime resident. She attended Clark High School and graduated in 1977. Felicia was a member of the Cheerleading squad. Felicia was an information technology specialist for the Urban League. Felicia was preceded in death by her father, Billy Bobbitt; and stepfather, Lynn Carley. Felicia is survived by her daughter, Andrea Thompson; mother, Minnie Carley; brother, Ferry Bobbitt; and a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at Palm Mortuary, 1325 N. Main St. Services at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at Second Baptist Church, 500 Madison St.

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Felicia Bobbitt Thompson who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Felicia was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Felicia knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Her parents were Billy Bobbitt and Minnie Carley. Felicia was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. Even as a youngster, Felicia learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Felicia was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Felicia was raised with one sibling. She had one older brother Ferry Bobbitt. Felicia had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Felicia, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

In school, Felicia was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Felicia was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Felicia’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Felicia took pride in being a Song Leader during her high school years.

Felicia’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Felicia’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule. When Felicia saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems from University of Phoenix.

Felicia was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Felicia would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Felicia was blessed with one child, one daughter Andrea.

All who knew her would agree that Felicia was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Felicia Bobbitt Thompson did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.