Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
On December 19, 1951, in Los Angeles, California, Peter DeVere Thompson was born to James and Leonora Thompson,
the second of their two children. He was raised in Avalon Gardens, where his athletic talents, much like his father’s,
began to shine early. Peter became a Pole Vaulting champion in California, an All-Star football player in both high school
and college, and later an exceptional coach in football and girls’ track and field. His love for these sports became a
defining aspect of his life, particularly his dedication to football, which remained a lifelong passion.
Peter attended Gardena High School, where his athletic prowess led him to become a standout defensive player on the
Varsity football team. He was known for his strength and skill as Outside Linebacker and Strong Safety, leading his team
to a shutout season during his senior year. As a team captain, Peter led the Mohicans to the 1969 Los Angeles City
Championship, where he was honored with the game ball. He earned All-City Football Honors and All-Marine League
Honors. Peter continued his football career at Humboldt State University while earning a degree in Physical Education.
Peter’s professional life was marked by his dedication to fitness and wellness. He worked as a personal trainer, forming
lifelong bonds with his clients. His career highlights include working with CBS/Paramount Studios, contributing to the
success of Emmy Award-winning shows like “NCIS” and “JAG.” Peter’s commitment to his craft earned him the title of
Master Trainer, and he played a significant role at prominent gyms, including Magic Johnson's 24-Hour Fitness in Ladera
Heights and Hollywood.
In 1998, Peter married the love of his life, Adrienne Milbourne. The couple resided in Inglewood, California, for over
twenty years, actively engaging in community service, particularly with the University of Southern California, the
University of California Los Angeles, and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Peter and Adrienne
owned and operated Thompson Home Helpers, a home health care business specializing in non-medical services for
seniors dealing with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory loss. As President, Peter focused on providing exercise and
wellness programs in adult care facilities and nursing homes across Los Angeles, making a lasting impact on the lives of
many seniors.
Peter’s devotion to his family was evident in his role as a full-time caregiver for his father, James Calvin Thompson, for
twelve years. In 2007, Peter had the honor of escorting his father to Washington, D.C., where James received the
Tuskegee Airman’s Congressional Gold Medal of Honor, the highest civilian honor in the United States. This experience
deeply influenced Peter, leading him and Adrienne to continue their caregiving work through their consulting business,
Primary Concern, Incorporated. Adrienne continues to speak on the subject of caregiving at venues across the United
States.
Peter and Adrienne also raised two sons, who have both achieved great success. Conrad Cyprian Carter graduated from
Prairie View A&M University in 2017 with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Behavioral Science. Roman Dove
Thompson graduated from Crenshaw High School in 2017 with senior honors and attended Humboldt State University,
where both his grandfather and father were alumni. Roman excelled on the debate team and looks forward to
continuing his education with the goal of becoming a U.S. History instructor.
Peter is survived by wife Adrienne Milbourne Thompson, his sons Conrad Carter and Roman Thompson, his brother,
Keith Thompson, Keith’s children, Jahi Thompson (Candy), Jamiliah Thompson, and grandchildren. He leaves behind an
extended family and many lifelong friends, all of whom were touched by his kindness, dedication, and love.
**Acknowledgement:**
The Thompson family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the many prayers, expressions of sympathy,
condolences, flowers, and acts of kindness shown during this time of bereavement. "Everyone has a friend during each
stage of life. Only the lucky ones have the same friend in all stages of life." We are forever thankful for our lifelong
friends who have supported us during this challenging time. May God bless and keep you in His merciful arms.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Peter D Thompson, please visit our floral store.