Wava Jean Thompson, 85, Tilden Twp., died Thursday, May 12, 2011 in the Berks Heim, Bern Twp., where she resided for eight months. For the last ten years, she resided in the home of her daughter Jennifer Leinbach, son-in-law, County Commissioner Christian Leinbach, and grandchildren Matthew, Laura Lee, and William Leinbach.
Born September 16, 1925 in Dowagiac, Michigan, she was the middle child of seven children born to the late Emery and Letha (Lintz) Lawson. A 1943 graduate of Dowagiac High School, Jean was the widow of Jimmy Lee Thompson, with whom she shared 41 years of marriage prior to his death in 1991.
Jean excelled in working as a secretary for nearly 50 years for multiple employers, including National Data Corporation in Atlanta, Georgia. An active member of Schuylkill Valley Bible Chapel in Centre Twp., Jean enjoyed traveling, reading, crocheting and sewing.
Jean is survived by two sons: John R. Goodwin, Rochester, New York; and Jeffrey L. Thompson, Lawrenceville, Georgia; and daughter Jennifer T. Leinbach, Tilden Twp. Jean was preceded in death by a daughter: Judith A. Goodwin, died in 1965; three sisters: Velda Elsey; Anna Belle Lawson; and Gladys Marie Welty; and two brothers: Howard and Clarence Lawson. Other survivors include brother: Emery "Bill" Lawson, Cassopolis, Michigan; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 7:00 pm from Schuylkill Valley Bible Chapel, 693 Irish Creek Road, Mohrsville, PA 19541. A visitation with the family will be Wednesday at 6:30 pm. Interment will be private in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, South Bend, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be sent to Schuylkill Valley Bible Chapel at the above address. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.