Elinor Grahl Thompson

Elinor Grahl Thompson passed away peacefully at home on December 19, 2024. She was born October 9, 1923, in Oak Park, Illinois to Charles and Alma Grahl. She grew up in Oak Park before moving with her parents to Washington, D.C. in 1940. She attended American University and then took a job as a flight attendant with Capitol Airlines. It was while she was in Washington during the war that she attended a dance sponsored by Recreation Services where she met the great love of her life, Escar Thompson, an army officer from Tennessee. They married in 1946 and moved to Knoxville where they raised their family and where she lived the rest of her life. After her children entered school, she worked for many years at the Office of Admissions and Records at the University of Tennessee. Upon her retirement, she worked as a volunteer at Fort Sanders Hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son-in-law, Bruce Osborne. She is survived by her son, Jeff Thompson (Nancy) of Memphis, Tennessee, her daughter, Dr. Pam Osborne, also of Memphis, her grandchildren, Eric Osborne (Ellie) of Nashville, Tennessee, Reid Thompson (Jacki) of Charlottesville, Virginia, Nicole Steck of Durham, North Carolina, Ellen Olson (Eric) of Spokane, Washington, Ginger Wedemeyer (David) of Nashville, Tennessee, and nine greatgrandchildren. Elinor was known for her warm hospitality, and she liked to entertain friends at home. She loved to bake and was especially known for her delicious Christmas cookies which she produced in several varieties and great quantities. Cookie-making at her house was very much a family affair. During her last months, Elinor was fortunate to be cared for by several caregivers. The family is especially grateful to Linda Ragsdale, Dottie Rutter, Kay Arnwine, Valerie Coleman, Debbie Sanders and Sherrie Conner for the loving care they provided her. She was also blessed to be looked after by several friends and members of her church. The family requests that memorials be made to Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Elinor Grahl Thompson

October 9, 1923 - December 19, 2024