WILMINGTON — Lillian Mary Mayer Thompson, affectionately known as Lillian Thompson, passed away peacefully from natural causes on Thursday January 23, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the age of 95. Born on Easter Sunday March 31, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lillian lived a long and fulfilling life, marked by dedication to her family, work, and community.
Raised in Buffalo, New York, Lillian was a bright student and pursued higher education at the State University of New York. Upon graduation, she embarked on a career with Conrail Railway, where she worked diligently as a Clerk. Her commitment to her work and colleagues was evident throughout her tenure.
Lillian had a deep love for animals and a remarkable talent for sewing. She took great pride in creating her own clothes, even crafting her own wedding dress—a testament to her skill and creativity. Her passion for sewing and her love for animals brought joy to her life and to those around her.
A dedicated member of the Brunswick Chapter #341 NC Order of the Eastern Star, Lillian recently celebrated 50 years of membership, reflecting her unwavering commitment to her community and the bonds she cherished with fellow members.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, R. Donald Thompson, Jr.; her parents, George and Isabelle Broadly Mayer; her brother, Fred Mayer; and her sister, Alice M. Russell.
Her memory will be cherished by her surviving family: her sons, Ray Thompson and his wife Sharon, and David Thompson and his wife Sheila; her sister, Isabella Mayer; and her grandson, Chris.
A service to honor and celebrate Lillian’s life is being planned at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ocean Isle, NC, with the date and time to be announced. Her family and friends will gather to remember a woman who was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.
Lillian’s kindness, talents, and dedication to those she loved will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Paws Place Rescue.
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