Obituary of Lillian Thompson

Lillian Junaluska Thompson, 84, of the Birdtown Community went home to be with the Lord peacefully at her residence Wednesday, May 11, 2016. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Sim Jessan and Emaline Blythe Junaluska, and husband of the late Lawrence Thompson who she was married to for 58 years. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Sarah Larraine Thompson; sisters, Martha Taylor, Sally Locust, Winnie Mae Cole, Shirlene Jessan, Elanore Jessan; brothers, Mark and Arch Junaluska; and special son, Thomas J. Owl. She is survived by four daughters, Marie Watty and husband Joseph, Patricia Welch and husband Charles, Willie Conseen and husband Wes, and Lou Thompson; one sister, Mildred Jessan Queen and husband David; eight grandchildren, Diane, Michael, Will, Martha, Denise, Charlie, Matt, and David; 20 great grandchildren; special children, Soloman David Owl, William Eugene Owl, and Dana Jones; very special friend, Rose Marley and daughter, Mary Jane; and many nieces and nephews. Lillian retired from the Eastern Bank of Cherokee Indians with 30 years of service as a Community Health Representative. She enjoyed her retirement traveling to Pow Wow's with her husband and children. She was also a fluent speaker of the Cherokee language. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 pm Friday at Crisp Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Betty's Place, C/O Beatrice Smith, Cherokee Cancer Support Group, PO Box 2220, Cherokee, NC 28719.