Elizabeth Thompson

Elizabeth Bruce Thompson of Bluefield, West Virginia, Died at 90 years old on Monday January 5th, 2026, at 10:06am, at the "Pulaski Health and Rehabilitation" Nursing Home in Pulaski, Virginia, in the Loving Care of the Staff from natural causes; and received a private funeral at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, and burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Bluewell, West Virginia on Wednesday January 14th, 2026, by caring friends and family.

Elizabeth was born on November 28th, 1935, in South Williamson, Kentucky, to Mr. Lacey Bruce Thompson and Mrs. Grace Schilling Thompson, and older sister Phyllis--they're children of a father involved in the Coal Industry throughout their youth, living also in Erlander, KY, and Charleston and Bluefield, West Virginia.

Elizabeth Graduated in 1953 from Bluefield "Beaver" High School, where she was a Cheerleader; and thereafter attended Bluefield College in adjacent Bluefield, Virginia, where Elizabeth earned a Liberal Arts Degree. Elizabeth had an early interest in Dance, and became an assistant instructor here in Bluefield, and taught Dance in Welch, West Virginia, likewise.

After Graduation from College, Elizabeth decided to adventure to New York City, and attended the New York School of Ballet, and took classes at New York University ("NYU") where she began to fulfill her aspirations of Modeling, & worked in the Advertising Industry for several years in the 1950's. While fulfilling her young dreams in New York City, Elizabeth met her first and only husband of 42 years--Stewart Skrill of Brooklyn, NY; whom was involved in the Advertising Industry likewise. After their marriage in 1956, they moved to Long Island, NY, and lived in Brooklyn, and later Roslyn Heights in Nassau County, having three children--two Daughters: Holly and Bonnie, and a Son--Thomas. After raising her young children, Elizabeth continued her education in premedical studies in the 1970's with an interest in nutrition and shared those interests and education in her great love and care for her family throughout all of her life. Additionally, and along with raising her three children, and a house full of beloved and mostly adopted stray cats and a few sweet dogs--she loved the dear pets, and having wanted to have been a Veterinarian when young: Also, Elizabeth worked alongside her husband in the family manufacturing business ("Stewart-Thomas Industries") in Farmingdale, NY, through the 1970's & 1980's.

After the children left the home, Elizabeth & Stewart sold their self-designed residence, and business, in 1988, and moved to central Vermont, where they bought a 280-acre Rural 1800's Historic Farm with the intention to have a "Bed & Break-fast". Yet instead, Elizabeth and Stewart created a Flower Farming business, where the beautiful Flora which Elizabeth Cultivated and enjoyed were sold at the grand "Boston Flower Market" in Boston, Massachusetts, & bought by industry Buyers for the North-East region of the United States.

However, the farm was a burden more than a joy, and Elizabeth and Stewart amicably divorced after 42 years of marriage to pursue different paths in 1998.

Elizabeth was prior, and thereafter involved in Art Showings and Small Concerts at the Historic "Chandler Music Hall" in Randolph, Vermont, where she also was an exuberant member of the "Randolph Singers" whom gave Christmas Concerts and other events for the nearby community and larger area.

Additionally, Elizabeth worked in Retail Sales regarding Interior Design, which was another passion of hers; and thereafter at the renowned "Anichini" Linen Company store in West Lebanon, New Hampshire; whereafter in 2002, Elizabeth returned to her home of her youth--Bluefield, West Virginia.

Once in Bluefield, Elizabeth then worked in Retail at the Mercer Mall as familiar Sales Associate at "Vitamin World", "GNC", and then "Belk" Home Store for about 15 years as Prized Employee.

Elizabeth was also involved as a member of the "East River Mountain Garden Club" serving as Treasurer and having received their highest awards on several occasions as an Outstanding Member during her 22year involvement with Associates and Friends.

During those years, and after her retirement in about 2017, Elizabeth enjoyed her house, gardens, and little "family" here in Bluefield with her son Thomas and their beloved cats Maxie & Lawrence, and Charlie & Quizzie.

Elizabeth also volunteered at the "Christmas Shop" & "Fantastic Finds" in downtown Bluefield, West Virginia, which benefit the Bluefield Union Mission and the work they do for those in need.

In 2023, Elizabeth had increasing difficulty with mobility, which led to her residency in Nursing Facilities; and from where she later passed on to a better place in Heaven.:

Elizabeth loved life and family and was a Kind and Friendly Soul that was never without Grace and Sincerity in her interactions with everyone she met and knew, and so throughout her life entire!

Elizabeth is survived by her Sister Ms. Phyllis T. Walker, her Niece Diane Sudduth, and her son Thomas Schilling--all of Bluefield, West Virginia; as well as her Daughters Holly and Bonnie--both of Vermont, and six Grandchildren and Five Great Grandchildren, other family, and "Quizzie"--her beloved tiny Kitten.

Elizabeth was a Wonderful and involved Mother and Friend to her children, and was loved by all who met her, and she loved them likewise--even in her later days with us.

We will all miss you!

Truly, Love Thomas.