Friends, Family Gather For Alderman Thompson's Funeral

(CBS) --Mayor Emanuel and other top City officials paid their respects to Alderman JoAnn Thompson, who died of heart failure a week ago.

CBS 2's Jeremy Ross reports many friends were emotional as they walked into the Freedom Temple Church of God in Christ for the visitation and funeral Monday. Family members say she leaves a great void behind and described her death as devastating.

Alderman Emma Mitts said her friend and colleague didn't like liars, so if you want to remember JoAnn she said, stop lying.

Mayor Emanuel, already hoarse from campaigning, choked up when he said Thompson's victory in bringing business to Englewood showed anything can happen.

"When we cut that ribbon on the Whole Foods, there will be a palpable sense that something's missing, that it's incomplete without the person who did so much to make it happen," Emanuel said.

Alderman Ed Burke put it most succinctly.

"Regrettably, the city has lost one of its true champions," he said.

58-year-old Alderman Thompson died of heart failure last week. She was first elected in 2007 and then re-elected in 2011, representing parts of Gage Park and Englewood. She called Englewood home for 40 years.

Her death came during a campaign to become alderman of the 16th Ward. She was called a frontrunner in that race in an election taking place only a week from Tuesday. As a result some ballots are being reprinted and special notices will appear at voting machines.

Thompson battled alcoholism and homelessness to become a leader in the community. That struggle and success story continues to leave its mark on friends and neighbors.

Her achievements include helping to bring Whole Foods to Englewood as well as those additional jobs.

"I think that most of the people that knew her and in this city knew the obstacles that she did overcome and I think that gave hope to so many people," said William Green, Thompson's friend.

She leaves behind three children and four grandchildren.