Edna Thompson

Edna J. Thompson, age 82, resident of Cleveland, Tennessee went home to be with her Lord on Saturday night, December 26, 2009 after an extended battle with Alzheimer's. She was surrounded by her loving family at the time of her home going. She was a member of the CrossPointe Christian Centre Church of God in Dalton, Georgia.

Edna was known for her infectious smile, positive outlook on life, sense of Biblical hospitality, and undying love for her family. She was a loving, faithful wife of 63 years 4 months devoted to her husband, Harold B. Thompson, Sr. and their ministry together. She served as Church of God State Women's Ministry President in Idaho, Illinois, North Carolina, Northern California/Nevada, Southern Ohio and North Georgia. She also worked for 4 1/2 years in the Business & Records Department at the Church of God International Offices after their retirement from full time ministry.

She was an unassuming leader who preferred the background to the limelight. One of her greatest gifts was the ability to be an encourager to minister's wives and young ministry couples. Her only sermon was her life and love, never shouting it, but always shining. Many are the young ministers and families who have excelled in life and ministry because of her encouraging words and small, thoughtful gifts.

She was never happier than when her family would get together for holidays or special occasions. She would always prepare favorite food items for each one of them. And when she prepared food, everyone was blessed!

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Harold B. Thompson, Sr., Cleveland, one sister, Margaret Curto of Macomb, Michigan, children and spouses, Harold B. (Grace) Thompson, Jr of Phoenix, AZ, Kathy (Alton) Anderson, Cleveland, Carla (Barry) Myers, Cleveland, Ron (Theresa) Thompson, Cleveland, Michael (Dianne) Thompson, Melbourne, FL, and Barbara Fulbright Sharp, McMinnville, TN; grandchildren, Brent (Jenny) Thompson, Brian (Anna) Anderson, Lenae (David) Butts, Dalton, GA, Shawna (Mark) Asbell, Kristen Myers, Nathan (Carolyn) Thompson, Dustin Myers, Caleb (Denise) Thompson, Kyle Thompson, Jason Thompson, Lauren Thompson, Michael Thompson, Tonya (Kyle) Rutherford, Shana (Todd) Garner, Abigail (Shey) Hughes; 18 great grandchildren, 3 nieces and a host of friends also survive.

A Celebration of the Life and Home Going of Edna Thompson will be held Wednesday, December 30,2009, at 12 Noon at the Westmore Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee with Dr. Raymond Culpepper, Dr. G. Dennis McGuire, Barbara Fulbright Sharp along with Edna's sons, Hal and Michael officiating. Interment will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with her grandsons serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association in her name.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 29,2009, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Grissom Funeral Home who has charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net