Elsa Cole Thompson

She was preceded in death by her husband John “Jay” B. Thompson, Jr, and her parents Andrew Hatcher Cole and Blanche Anthony Cole. She is survived by her children Sarah Thompson Gardner (Ricky), Ruth Thompson Marks, and John B. Thompson, III; her brother Andrew Hatcher Cole, Jr.; six grandchildren: Theresa and Anthony Gardner, Sheila and Cole Marks (Lexi), and Logan (Carrie) and Kara Thompson (fiancé Thomas Neptune); two great-grandchildren Eliza Gray and Mary Sue Thompson; also, her friend and compassionate caregiver Lorraine Woods.

Elsa Gray graduated from Henry Clay High School in Ashland, Va. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church Ashland. She loved her church. She loved singing in the choir, serving as a Deacon, and volunteering her time and talents where needed. Elsa Gray was a member of the Hanover Chapter #130 - Order of the Eastern Star, and former member of the Ashland Woman’s Club. She retired as Clerk of Hanover Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court after 34 years of service. She was a friend to law enforcement and considered the judges, deputies, and attorneys she worked with over the years as part of her extended family.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, May 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home-Reid Chapel, 412 South Washington Hwy. Ashland, with an Order of the Eastern Star Ceremony taking place at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 17 at First Baptist Church – Ashland, 800 Thompson St, Ashland, VA 23005 with burial to follow in Woodland Cemetery, 11310 Hanover Ave., Ashland, VA 23005.

In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to First Baptist Church Ashland, Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad, or the Alzheimer’s Association.