Elsie E. Thompson

Elsie E. Thompson, age 94, of Benicia, California, passed away on May 20, 2026, at Cogir of Vallejo Hills following a brief illness. Born on February 23, 1932, in Vallejo, California, she lived a full and faithful life centered on family, music, and service to her church community. Elsie dedicated 17 years to Safeway as a clerk, retiring in 1989. Her true calling, however, was in ministry. She faithfully served as church organist and pianist, directed choirs, led children’s ministries, and supported worship in numerous ways. She was deeply involved at Benicia First Baptist Church and Vallejo Foursquare Church, assisted with projection and technical needs at The Hill Church in Vallejo, and played the piano for church services at Cogir of Vallejo Hills for 30 years. Her life was a beautiful testimony of love, service, and devotion that touched countless hearts. She was married for 62 years to her beloved husband, Raymond Thompson, who predeceased her. She is also survived by her close companion, Don Gonyer. Elsie is survived by her children: • Joanne Smith and husband Mike • Vernetta Cizek and husband Greg • Shelly Sutter and husband Curt • Phillip Thompson and longtime companion Jenn Jewitt She was blessed with eight grandchildren: Mathew McMann (MaryBeth), Phillip McMann (Lyzzy), Erin McMann, Candice Springle (Bart) , Hunter Smith (Maggie) , Jourdan Woltz, Jack Sutter, and Jonathan Thompson (Kristy); and twelve great-grandchildren: Marissa Ramsey, Dylan McMann, Kennedy McMann, Daxton McMann, Treyson McMann, Raelie McMann, Maxine Springle, Evelyn Smith, Natalie Smith, Asher Thompson, Naomi Thompson, and Titus Thompson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Conrad and Edith Engesser, as well as her brothers Conrad, Marcus and Phillip Engesser, stepbrothers Robert and Allen Engesser, Kenneth, Howard and Charles Nunn and stepsister Barbara Nunn Williams. For all who knew her, Elsie brought so much joy - she could always find humor and something positive in all situations whether at home, church, traveling or at work. She enjoyed traveling and took multiple ocean cruises - one of the most memorable being traveling through the Panama Canal (her father worked on the construction of the canal). Her family has many memories of road trips to visit family (and Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farms, etc.). Road trips filled with singing and laughter. Annual camping trips, waterskiing, swimming, snow skiing - she was always active and set the example of hard work and having fun for her children. Music was an integral part of her life - sing her a line or two and she would sit down at her piano and play the song for you. As a child at the tender age of 7 years old, she played the violin and performed at the World's Fair on Treasure Island in 1939. Her life is a testimony of God's love and faithfulness - and she exemplified those traits throughout her life. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at The Hill Church, 210 Locust Drive, Vallejo, California. The service is officiated by Pastor Scott Peterson. Scripture “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.” — Psalm 27:4 (Her prayer for her life and for her children) “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” — Proverbs 31:28-31 May these words bring comfort and peace to her family and all who loved her. Elsie’s legacy of faith, music, and loving service will continue to echo in the lives she touched.

Elsie E. Thompson

February 23, 1932 - May 20, 2026