Sheila Adamson Thompson entered heaven’s joy and rest on Thursday, January 14, 2021 after battling Alzheimer’s for over 2 years. She was born January 7, 1941 in Wichita, Kansas to Milton and Lila Adamson.
She adored her husband Bruce, married for 46 years until he passed in 2005. She was his primary caregiver for 30+ years after he contracted MS, and approx 20 years for his brother Freddie Bill who had Down’s Syndrome. At the same time she worked as personal secretary for Pastor Dave Argue at Christ’s Place, and then for Pastor Tom Barber at Lincoln People’s City Mission before retiring in 2017. She had a remarkable gift of seeing people and making them feel loved. She helped lead small groups on the power of forgiveness and experiencing freedom through Jesus.
Sheila grew up in Wichita, especially liked singing, and played the lead role in “Annie Get Your Gun” at Wichita East High School. She met Bruce in Emporia, KS (Teacher’s College) where he played trumpet in a jazz band and she was the singer.
Sheila’s love of family was marked by sacrificial love and persevering prayer. Every day began with her own personal prayers and Bible study, and then leading her kids in a Daily Bread devotional. She started a young girl’s sharing group in Independence, KS to help her daughter and friends grow in their faith. That group morphed into a youth group made up of kids from several churches who needed a place to connect and grow. Many young people began following Jesus as a result. They regularly helped singles and couples who were struggling, and those who had suffered heartache and rejection.
“Who loves you baby?!” This is the question Sheila asked every time she was with her grandkids, reminding them she loved them deeply. Her home was always open to others in need. Even up until 2 weeks before her passing, she was still asking how others were doing and offering to pray for them, including workers at Journey Hospice.
Sheila is survived by her brother Gary from Wichita; her son Greg (wife June) from Denver, grandson Levi (wife Katie) great-grandchildren Noah and Mia, grandson Blake and great-granddaughter Landyn, grandson Jordan (wife Kate) and great-grandson Nolan. And by her daughter Laurie (husband David) of Lincoln, granddaughter Carrie (husband Joshua), great grandchildren Averie and Krayton, granddaughter Kirstie (Josh), great-grandson Jameson.
Sheila’s Memorial Celebration Service will be held Monday (1-18-21), 6:30pm at Elevate Church, 8251 Pioneers Blvd.
Family visitation will be Sunday (1-17-21) 5:00-6:30pm Sunday at Elevate. Her body will be laid to rest next to her husband Bruce at a Graveside Service Weds, 1pm, 1/20, Mt Hope Cemetery, Independence, Kansas.
In honor of her incredible generosity, the family requests generous donations to Lincoln People’s City Mission.
The family is requesting 2-3 minute cell phone video tributes (to be posted later on FB). Email eskenazimichael@gmail.com for instructions.