Once Jeremiah Thompson returns home to New Mexico from Tennessee where his sons were killed, the grieving father anticipates feeling the impact.
Thompson traveled to Waverly, Tennessee after being informed that his estranged wife, 32-year-old Heather Michell Thompson, had shot and killed herself, their two sons, 4-year-old Arius Raymond Thompson and 13-year-old Isaiah Gavin Johnson, as well as their great grandmother Evelyn Christine Johnson.
A Jan. 2 death investigation by police determined that it was a murder-suicide in which Heather is believed to have pulled the trigger on her three family members.
Thompson talked with his sons’ playmates who attended the memorial hosted by Humphreys County Funeral Home this week.
“They were telling me stories about how crazy they were together and how Ari was,” he said. “Ari was always with them, and a lot of Isaiah's friends also came.”
Thompson recalled explaining to memorial attendees that he is the biological father of 4-year-old Arius and the stepfather of the older boy, Isaiah.
“He's my son,” Thompson said. “They're like, ‘Oh we heard about you’ and whatnot and I was like, ‘That's my boy, too.’”
“Arius was a joyful child who found delight in the simple pleasures of life,” the obituary notes. “Arius loved exploring nature, visiting the creek and waterparks, where he would embrace the thrill of splashing water. Whether enjoying a snack of his favorite junk food or playing with his cat, Pumpkin, Arius approached each day with enthusiasm.”
His biological father is listed as David Paul Oakes who preceded him in death.
“Isaiah was known for his sweet and helpful nature, making friends effortlessly throughout his short yet impactful life,” the obituary said. “Isaiah's bright spirit shone through in everything he did. He was a vibrant presence in the lives of those around him, always ready to lend a hand or share a moment of laughter.”
"Evelyn found immense joy in the simplest pleasures of life. She had a deep passion for tending to her yard, where her flowers thrived under her careful nurturing," the obituary notes. "Her garden was a reflection of her warm spirit and her love for beauty in nature. In addition to her gardening, Evelyn delighted in cooking, often bringing family together around the dinner table with her delicious meals."