Elizabeth Bussell Thompson

Graveside services for Mrs. Elizabeth Bussell Thompson, 89, will be held Thursday, January 28, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Washington County Memorial Gardens in Sandersville. Dr. Stan Littleton and Rev. Chad Watkins will officiate. Mrs. Thompson was born on April 26, 1931. A native of Washington County, she grew up in the small community of Warthen on Bay Springs Road. Her mother passed away when she was 6 years old, and she was raised by her father and two paternal aunts, Lillie (Otis) Parker and Minnie Lee Bussell. She and her siblings had a close bond, and they grew up taking care of each other. Mrs. Thompson graduated from Washington County High School. In 1949, she met the love of her life when Griffin Thompson, originally from Wilkinson County, accepted his first job as principal of Warthen Elementary School. He was 22, and she was 17. They married on August 17, 1949 after a three-month courtship and were married for 68 years until Griffin passed away in 2018. Griffin and Elizabeth had three children, Scott, Jane, and Brian. Elizabeth enjoyed being a homemaker and taking care of her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy. When Griffin was called to the ministry, she embraced her role as a pastor's wife as few others have. She could always be found by Griffin's side, visiting hospitals and shut-ins, making phone calls to church members and district superintendents alike, and spreading the love of Jesus everywhere she went. She started preschools at many of the churches Griffin pastored. She taught children at Adrian United Methodist Church, Twin City United Methodist Church, Wrens United Methodist Church, and Bartow United Methodist Church. She loved all children, and all children loved her. Mrs. Thompson went to be with her Savior on Saturday, January 23, 2021. Mrs. Thompson was preceded in death by her husband, Griffin Thompson; her parents, Willie Green and Pinkie Lou Bussell; her siblings, Louise, Willie Harris, Janet, Walter "Bookie," Lillie, and Bobby; a daughter-in-law, Dianne Thompson; and her grandson, Scotty Thompson. Survivors include her children, Scott (Kathleen) Thompson, Jane (Stuart) Stanley, and Brian (Wanda) Thompson; her grandchildren, Shannon (Chris) Eppserson, Lori (Robert) Bryan, Leah (Reid) Bethea, and Patrick Thompson; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Augusta University and The Family Care Group of Thomson, especially Mr. Van Davis, Dr. Chris Sheppard, and his nurse, Erica, for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hand Charitable, 135 Main Street, P.O. Box 337, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573. Friends who would like to pay their respects may visit the funeral home Wednesday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Wrightsville Chapel has charge of arrangements.