Rolando Thompson

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Rolando Jay Nicholas Thompson

Rolando Jay Nicholas Thompson, was born January 6, 1989, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the union of Rolando (Jay) Thompson and Evelyn Elmore-Suesberry. He was the second born of eight brothers and sisters (three brothers & four sisters). He departed this life on November 15, 2021.

Rolando, also known as Nick, RJay, or as “Ro”, accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church under the spiritual leadership of former Senior Pastor, Rev. Freddie T. Piphus. 

He attended Lincoln Heights Christian Academy (LHCA) from kindergarten to second grade, before moving on to Winton Woods City School District, where he graduated high school in 2007.  Here he would forge lifelong friendships at both LHCA and Winton Woods. While at Winton Woods he was involved in various extracurricular activities, including marching band and concert band where he played Alto-Saxophone, sang in the men’s chorus, and played football. Rolando was loved by all those he came in contact with, teachers, classmates, and many others he encountered along the way.  Specifically, Dani Ashbrook, his band teacher whom he maintained a bond with throughout his life. After high school, he attended Kentucky State University.

Outside of school, Nick’s first job was at Donatos Pizza. He stood apart-and was hired on the spot-because he wore a suit and tie, just to submit the application for the job, lol. He was a member/leader of Generation 1:9 (G1:9), the Youth Ministry at LHMBC under Dr. Mark A. Staples, former Youth Pastor. Rolando’s love for God and the Youth Ministry where he faithfully served through his witness resulted in others growing closer to God.  Nick had a beautiful voice, loved to sing karaoke, and as a small child, sang with the Rosebuds, the children’s choir of First Baptist Church of Kennedy Heights. He was also a part of the youth choir at LHMBC. In the 5th grade, he was selected to sing in the Cincinnati Boys’ Choir. He had an eclectic taste in music. Anytime you were around him you could always catch him singing, in that deep baritone voice, or humming along to one of his favorite songs. Anybody that spent real time with him will know how much of a funny person he could be-just silly, and enjoying himself and those around him. On the flip side of that, he didn’t have a high tolerance for nonsense, and didn’t mind letting you know it.

When Rolando was with his son, both of their faces would light up. They truly enjoyed their time together, from play fighting to teaching him new dances and praying he would grow into his rhythm, lol. We will keep Rolando’s memory alive for you, Xander, by sharing stories, pictures, and videos that show how much your dad loved and adored you as his son. 

There are so many memories any of us could share about Rolando, as he was loved by so many. We wish to remember him as being the loving, serious, funny son, father, brother, uncle, and friend that he was. He was one of a kind and he will be truly missed.   Rolando leaves to cherish his memory, his son, Xander Rey Thompson,his parents, Rolando Jay Thompson, Evelyn and Rodney Suesberry, and bonus mom, Kim O’Bannon-Edwards. His sisters Bethany, Victoria, and Alexis Thompson, and Dasia Suesberry-Parker (Willie); brothers Marcus, Demetrius, and Evyn Suesberry; special brother-cousin Brian Pinson; niece Aria Thompson-Oliver, nephew Jeffery Charleston, III; special brother-friends Charles (Chuck) Smith, Carlton Collins, and Keith Murden, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 

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