Janet Denson Thompson
October 11, 1954 ~ February 11, 2014
I Thessalonians 4:13, “Ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” Because of the hope found in Jesus Christ, Jan Thompson at age 59, entered into the presence of her Savior on Tuesday, February 11, 2014. Jan was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on October 11, 1954, to William Arthur Denson, Jr. and Betty Henry Denson. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 32 years, James Thompson; three daughters and their husbands: Sarah and Kevin Gillenwater, Kimberly and Jeff Carlson, and Hannah and Ransom Love; her mother, Betty Denson, sister and brother-in-law Terry and Rich Carney; brother and sister-in-law Scott and Donna Denson, and her brother and sister-in-law Jon and Sherry Denson; mother-in-law Tommie Ann Thompson, a large extended family, as well as many students whom she loved and dedicated her life to teaching. She was preceded in death by her daddy, W. A. Denson and father-in-law, Raymond Thompson.
Jan was an elementary school teacher for over 25 years. She was a faithful member of her church and loved serving in childrens ministry and singing in the choir. She loved music and was always singing or humming. One of her favorite songs that reminded her of her daddy, but most importantly about her Savior, Jesus Christ, was “Finally Home”. “But just think of stepping on shore and finding it in Heaven. Of touching a hand and finding it Gods. Of breathing new air and finding it celestial. Of waking up in Glory and finding it Home.”
A memorial service will be held at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home on Sunday, February 16th at 2:00 pm. Visitation with the family will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center, 1000 Wilds Ridge Road, Brevard, North Carolina 28712, where Jan and James both attended as teens. Their children also attended as campers and later worked on staff during the summer of their college years.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Sunday 2/16, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Service
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Sunday 2/16, 2:00 pm
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with this special family in the loss of their wife and mother. Our family has shared some very special times with them and Jan will be surely missed. She was the type of person who was always the same. She had such a caring way and always a smile. Heaven has surely welcomed another angel We love you all so much. Jeff and Teresa Godwin and Family
I knew Jan while we were members of Falls Road Baptist Church. She was active in the youth programs there (Proteens and Positive Action for Christ) and was a great role model for those of us who were a little younger. She always encouraged us to follow Christ’s leading through life. May God bless her family, comfort them and give them all peace now during the roads ahead.
To James, Sarah, Kimberly, Hannah, Betty and the rest of the family, I know that you have some grief and sadness in your heart because you miss Jan, but you can rest in the fact that you will see her again. And you know that she is rejoicing with the Lord and has no more pain and will never suffer again! Jan was such a blessing to everyone who knew her and a godly testimony. Isaac and I are sorry for your loss and we will miss her. Debra and Isaac Winstead
As I sit here looking at this obituary and picture of Jan, it is so hard to believe she is no longer with us. She has entered into the presence of our Heavenly Father and while she is no longer dealing with cancer, we miss her terribly. Our loss is Heavens gain. She was a true friend who loved, our Lord, her family, her church, her friends and had a beautiful testimony that will never be forgotten. She had a laugh that was contagious and many times I’ve laughed until I could hardly breathe. I got to know Jan when we were in college then when I moved back to Winston-Salem we shared an apartment. That was absolutely one of the best, most fun times in my life. Mrs. Denson, James Sarah, Kimberly, Hannah, Teri, Scott, Jon, may you feel the presence of His peace, His strength and comfort during this time of grief. You are in my thoughts and prayers. While I miss her, I cherish those wonderful times we shared. I love you Jan and I love your family.
Hannah, Jeri & I are so sorry for your loss of your Mother. We know as our faith in the Lord, She will not suffer any more.I know you have a good man in Ransom that will give you that extra strength you will need! Our prayers are with you & Ransom. In Christ, Jerri & Dave Hawk
What a blessing Mrs. Thompson was to our family. We were truly blessed by having her be a part of our journey while being at Falls Road. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Love you all, Russ, Cheryl, Morgan and Kaitlyn Wallace
I have great memories of Jan while we were in college. Her love for Jesus was vibrant. Heaven is much .sweeter today as she is with her Savior. I look forward to joining her one day and hearing that wonderful laugh! Much love and many prayers to the family now and in the days ahead. Love, Anne Mullins Furrow
What a privilege it was to know such a strong, beautiful, spirit-filled lady as Jan. James, Sarah, Kimberly, and Hannah, we know that you will miss her, but what a lovely heritage she has given you with her love and faith! Love and prayers, Peter and Patsy Gilliland
I have so many fun memories of Jan from college and from Israel. I remember when she first started liking James! We had so many laughs and some tears too! See you in heaven when my time comes! Mrs, Denson, Rich and Terri, Scott, Jon, James and girls, My heart goes out to you. I pray that the Lord will comfort you and strengthen you as you grieve Jan’s absence. She was a good friend, and even those we had not seen each other in years, I will still miss her as I remember all the the good times we had!
We have known jan for a very long time she was always the same she had a beautiful smile and a song in her heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with this dear sweet family we love. You lee and amy cooper
Jan was a very loving and giving servant of the Lord. I’m confident you find comfort in knowing she’s in the presence of her Savior. We are praying for the family during this time. Denise Holder Watkins
What a godly example of a wife, mother, friend and fellow servant. Heaven is much sweeter and richer today. Our love and prayers go out to the entire family. Ross and Julie Davis
I haven’t known Miss Jan for long, but long enough to love her. She always had a smile and an encouraging word. My favorite memory was the day I got to go with her to one of her rounds of chemo. We talked hard and long like we’d known each other for ages. She was a kindred spirit and an example to me of how to love my husband, children, and most importantly God.
Mrs. Thompson taught me in fourth grade at Falls Road. She was a very patient woman and I appreciate that. She had an impact on me that has and will last for eternity. James and girls, you are blessed people to have had her in her life. I pray God’s comfort for you as your grieve and mourn her home-going. May our gracious Lord bless you and give you strength in the coming days. God bless, Mel Winstead and family
You have our deepest sympathy in the passing of Jan. She is now in a much better place where there will be no more suffering and pain. May the Lord bless each of you in a special way. Joe and Mary A. (Trevathan) Ezzell Mary Jo and Robin
Our hearts go out to the Thompson family. We are at peace to know that Jan is with our Lord now and will have no more pain, but we are still sad at heart for those left here to remember her. We only met Jan a few times, but she was a true Christian lady and will be greatly missed in her family and community. She and James have raised a wonderful family which will carry on her legacy in life. Love and prayers with each of you. Roger and Michelle Gillenwater
Jan was my friend at FRB and in choir with me and we shared oh so many things. She had such full assurance of her home in heaven, she would just keep saying, Toni I am not afraid of dying, just concerned for my family. WHAT A LEGACY OF FAITH AND JOY AND LOVE she leaves her family and friends. She not only showed others how to live, she showed them how to die. WHAT VICTORY!
So sad to hear about this. We will certainly pray for the family. Jan was a wonderful Christian lady who is enjoying the Jesus she loved. May God’s grace comfort and sustain the family. Kraig and Laura Keck
So many memories come to me when I think of Jan. My college days at Piedmont would not have been as fun if she had not been a part of them! I still can hear her laughter and see her smile. Her antics kept us going when things got rough! But what a zeal she displayed for our Lord and her love for Him was so evident in her life. Jan and I shared an apartment after graduating from Piedmont and she was one of my bridesmaids for our wedding. Even though we haven’t seen one another in several years, we were able to meet recently, and she had not changed. I will always have her in my heart and will miss her. What a comfort to know she is no longer suffering, but worshiping and praising God in His presence! May God comfort all the family and give peace during this difficult time. Love you all. Sandy Caveness Thompson
Dear Thompson family, please be assured that Philip and I are praying for you as you adjust to Jan’s homegoing. Jan and I were college roommates, and she was such a blessing to me – always cheerful, full of joy, and so much fun! Her love for our Lord and others was evident in her daily life! I understand that this has been a difficult journey for all of you. I was my mother’s caregiver for five years, and it is never pleasant to watch your loved one slowly leave you. When those lonely times come, cling to the truth that Jan is Finally Home. This song was sung at my mother’s homegoing service, and its truth has provided comfort to me as I have moved through the grieving process. Cherish your precious memories and cling to the SURE HOPE that you have in Jesus Christ – you will share Heaven with your dear wife, mother, daughter, and friend! May His peace, comfort, love, joy, and strength be yours in the days to come. You will remain in our prayers! Philip and Sheila (Byerly) Brooks Marshville, NC
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God wrap His loving arms of comfort around all of you. Mark and Angela Holley and family
As we make our journey through this life, death is our final stop. In a time when our tears are pouring & our heart is breaking. (Ps.3418) The Bible gives us comfort in our time of grief. Even the perfect man, JESUS CHRIST, Gave way to tears. So greatly grieved was he over the death of his friend, Lazarous. (John 1135) All-though Jesuss ministry was for only 3 years, it had the greatest impact, then any other event in all of history. Jesus was approachable, & kind, LOVE was the motivation, for everything That Jesus did. Jesus spend his ministry , telling the people of the kingdom, healing the sick, expelling demons, & in some cases raising some from the dead. (Rev. 213,4) Giving us a glimpse of what is yet to come. Jesus said I am the resurrection, & the life. He that exercises faith in me, though he dies, will come back to life (John 1125) May the God of all comfort give you refuge, & strength, in your most difficult time. (2 Cor. 13,4). Love was the reason for the ransom sacrifice, showing the great love that Jehovah & Jesus had for all of mankind. (John 316) What a wonderful gift we have been giving, to have the hope of seeing our loved ones once again.
I JUST LEARNED THAT HEAVEN GAINED THIS SWEET ANGEL. THIS WOMAN CHANGED THE LIVES OF MY CHILDREN MORE SO OF MY SON. TKYREE SHE GAVE HIM SUCH A PRECIOUS GIFT.SHE BELIEVED IN HIM MY HEART IS HEAVY RIGHT NOW. I WILL NEVER EVER FORGET HER WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER THE BRIDGERS FAMILY