Wilma Belle Thompson's Obituary
Wilma B. Thompson (Sawyer), beloved wife, loving mother, adoring Grandma and Great Grandma, passed peacefully on February 12 in Lacey, WA. She was 100 years old. She lived and loved large, which was a benefit to all who knew her. Wilma was born in Seattle, WA, on October 10, 1921, as their only child to Hester and Elmer Sawyer. She spent most of her childhood with her adoring parents in Lester and Auburn. She graduated from Auburn High School in 1940 and attended business school after her graduation.
During the war she worked for the Department of Civil Engineers in Seattle. On January 31, 1945, Wilma married her sweetheart, Tommy, who remained by her side for 56 years. They moved to Lakewood in 1961 from Auburn, where they lived for 53 years. They enjoyed life together with their active involvement in the Lakewood Elks and Faith (Lewis) Chapter OES. They were avid campers and shared their love of life with their camping group.
Wilma was very musical! She enjoyed dancing; singing; and playing the piano, organ, and harp.
She easily shared her musical talents with all of us. She served as the organist for both Faith
(Lewis) Chapter OES and for the Lakewood Elks for many years. Her favorite instrument was her
harp, which she started playing at age 8 and traveled to Seattle from Auburn every week for her
lessons.
Wilma will be remembered for her honest observations, her undying humor, her laugh, and her
love of life. She had a great sense of humor and loved a good joke. Her laugh was infectious and
could be heard throughout the room. She collected many friends and shared her love of life with
each of them. She was always “on the go” to visit her many friends. Being a friend is a gift, and
Wilma definitely knew how to be a great friend.
Wilma is pre-deceased by her husband, Walter L. Thompson, and her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Dawne (Cliff) Schmidt of Lacey; her granddaughter, Tara (Kevin) Nigh of Arlington; and her four great grandchildren, Ashlyn, Kyleigh, Briah, and Tyler of Arlington. She loved her little family, and always shared a hug, a gift, and her pearls of wisdom with us. We miss her but know she is safe in the love of God.
Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 15, at 11 a.m. followed by Graveside Memorial
Service at:
Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery
4100 Steilacoom Blvd. S.W.
Tacoma, WA 98499
There will be a reception following the Graveside Memorial Service at First Baptist Church of
Lakewood.
What’s your fondest memory of Wilma?
What’s a lesson you learned from Wilma?
Share a story where Wilma's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Wilma you’ll never forget.
How did Wilma make you smile?