Elizabeth Davis (Gordon) (Sundquist) Thompson

Elizabeth Davis (Gordon) (Sundquist) Thompson entered the Lord’s presence with rejoicing in her 100th year on January 15, 2013.   Elizabeth, born on March 12, 1913, in Camden, NJ, was the daughter of Bertha Bundick (Davis) Hoffman and John C. Davis.  She graduated from Camden High School, Camden, NJ, in 1930, and Keuka College in 1936, with a degree in history and Christian Education.  On June 23, 1936, she married John Manning Gordon, who pre-deceased her in 1966. Preceding her in death were also her second and third husbands Ralph Sundquist and Norman Thompson and her brother, John Warren Davis. She is survived by three siblings,

Lorraine (Davis) Lowe, Walter E. Hoffman, Jr. and Ruth (Hoffman) Field, her four beloved children, Ruth Manning Gordon, Dayton, OH; Esther Gordon Davis (Don), Lancaster, PA; James Hale Gordon (Sherry), Columbus, OH; and David Judson Gordon (Sara), Chelsea, VT; 12 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth’s life reflected her trust in Jesus as her Savior.  She ministered to others as a pastor’s wife, youth leader, Sunday School teacher, Bible Study leader, choir member and friend. She was always available as consultant, confidante, and prayer warrior to those whose lives she touched, who had decisions to make, joys to share, or problems to solve. Sharing her gift of hospitality with relatives, friends and persons in need filled Elizabeth’s hours with joy and purpose. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, PA.

In her early years in Lancaster, she was president of the Lancaster County Mental Health Association.  For nearly three years, she was the storyteller on the weekly program, “Tell Me A Bible Story” on WGAL-TV in Lancaster, PA.  Elizabeth was also a member of PEO International, both in Lancaster and Yakima, WA.

Elizabeth’s passion was her faith, but her avocation was her needlework.  As gifted with knitting needles as she was with counted cross-stitch and needlepoint, Elizabeth was a true artist.  Her gifts of time and skill fill the homes and hearts of friends and family.  Her faith and knitting came together in the Elizabeth Thompson Shawl Ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, PA.  She created more than 125 shawls for people in need of comfort – those grieving, suffering medical ailments, or struggling with life’s challenges.

A service celebrating her life and her Savior will be held on Saturday, February 9 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 136 East Orange Street, Lancaster, PA.  Friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. until the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Elizabeth Gordon Thompson Scholarship Fund, Gordon College, 255 Grapevine Road, Wenham, MA 01984; First Presbyterian Church, 136 East Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17601; or New Hampton Community Church, Main Street, New Hampton, NH 03256.