Elizabeth "Mason" Cross Thompson

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a well-lived life, we announce the passing of Elizabeth "Mason" Cross Thompson, 91, of Sellersville, Pennsylvania, who entered eternal rest surrounded by her loved ones.

Mason was born April 12, 1933, in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Eben J.D. Cross, Jr. and Elizabeth Field Cross.  She was a faithful follower of Jesus, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, art teacher, bird watcher, gardener, diet coke drinker, and storyteller. She is survived by her children Berkeley, Grace, Elizabeth, Henry (Melanie), and John (Stacy). Her beloved husband, Henry, predeceased her, leaving behind cherished memories of a love that endured. She is also predeceased by her brother Eben J.D. Cross III and sister Nancy Cross Lindstrom.  Mason (Gram) is survived by her grandchildren Henry, Anna and Maranda, who always knew how deeply she loved them - "like a piggy loves their slop *oink oink*".

A Love That Endured

The love between Mason and Henry was one for the ages—a partnership built on faith, laughter, and unwavering devotion. They were inseparable, always putting God, family, and each other first. Whether serving together at church, tending to their many farm animals and children, or simply sharing daily life, their love was evident to all who knew them. Mason spoke of Henry often, even after his passing, always finding comfort in their years together and the promise of seeing him again in Heaven.

She carried his love with her every day, continuing their shared legacy by investing in her family, her faith, and her community. While she missed him deeply, she never let grief dim her joy, humor, or the kindness she extended to others. Now, they are reunited, and their love story continues in heaven.

A Life of Creativity & Giving

Mason's love for animals was just as legendary as the nicknames she gave them. Her home was a haven for goats, chickens, birds, geese, dogs, and cats—each with a name as unique as their personalities. Perhaps most infamous was her beautiful white cat, whom she affectionately called "Cocaine." You can imagine the reaction from the neighbors when they heard, "We lost our Cocaine."

Her heart for beauty and creativity was put on display in her gardens.  She poured into her love of flowers by serving on the Flower Committee of the Nicholas Newlin Foundation for over 18 years. She found great joy in flowers, which was shared with her daughter Liz and granddaughter Anna, ensuring that every garden was loved and cultivated. We have no doubt that Heaven's gardens will be in her great care, filled with black-eyed Susans and Queen Anne's lace.

For decades, Mason made it her mission to brighten the days of others with her front porch chalkboard, where she wrote daily words of encouragement. What began as birthday and anniversary wishes for friends soon expanded to humorous quotes, sports scores, and even messages welcoming visiting dignitaries—making her chalkboard a beloved community tradition and a daily must-see.

As a gifted storyteller and artist, Mason spent over 25 years as a volunteer storyteller and art teacher for kindergarteners, captivating young imaginations with her whimsical stories and creative lessons. No tale was ever complete without one of her Jack Russells or her beloved basset hound, Percy, dressed up as the main character. She was beloved by her students and the teachers she worked alongside, especially her teaching partner, Nicole Gross, becoming a team that was beyond legendary.

She had a deep love for the Sellersville Fire Department and never missed a waffle ice cream sandwich at the summer carnival or a wave from Santa on Tower 27—especially in recent years when they made a special stop at her home or the Community at Rockhill. Her appreciation for the SFD stemmed from her gratitude for the volunteers who served and protected Sellersville so well. It also helped that they rescued more than a few of her cats from trees and more recently saved her life when her basement caught fire.

Faith & Legacy

Mason's faith was the foundation of her life, using Proverbs 3:5-6 as an anchor verse for a life full of adventures. She spent countless hours reading the Bible and praying for her family and those in need. She read through the entire Bible too many times to count and even took the time to read, highlight, and write insights into Bibles for her children—a lasting spiritual gift they will cherish forever.

For more than 40 years, Mason was a devoted member of Faith Church in Sellersville, where she and her family faithfully served in the bus ministry, television broadcast team (operating a camera), and cultivating the church's flower beds. Her faith was not just something she believed—it was something she lived out daily with joy, kindness, and generosity. Generations of children will fondly remember the "candy rain" she created by tossing sweets from her camera perch after church services, making sure every child left with a little extra joy.

An avid knitter, Mason founded a club that eventually became known as The Heavenly Knitters. Her ever-growing yarn collection even required the purchase of additional bureaus just to store it all. Many newborns wore their first hat courtesy of Mason's fun hobby, and her passion extended far beyond her local community. Her surplus yarn made its way to Uganda on a mission trip to the Asifiwe Childcare Ministry, where Liz and Anna used it to teach nearly 50 people how to knit—a legacy of warmth and care that stretched across the world.

Mason and Henry also had a heart for those who were hurting. Together, they founded a widows' group that gathered for dinners and social events, offering comfort and companionship to so many who needed it. Their kindness and encouragement created a space where healing and friendship could flourish.

To know Mason was to be inspired by her boundless encouragement. Her signature phrases—"You betcha," "Never better," and "Did you miss me?"—will forever resonate in the hearts of those privileged to know her. She was a constant presence at every game, concert, play, and event, always the loudest and proudest cheerleader for her children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren were raised with the joyful belief that dessert should always come first and mismatched socks were a fashion statement—a tradition that will continue to thrive at their dinner tables and on their feet.

Mason's presence was a gift, and everyone that came in contact with her left feeling encouraged and loved. Although we grieve her passing, we take comfort knowing that her faith lives on in her family, and her laughter, love, and legacy will live on in the lives she touched. Most of all, we rejoice that she is once again hand in hand with Henry, walking Heaven's gardens together, side by side, as they always were meant to be.

A celebration of Mason's life will be announced in the near future. In true Mason fashion, she would remind us, "Write it on an ice cube so you don't forget."

Mason was a true Proverbs 31 woman—"more precious than jewels." She lived by verse 20: "She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy."

In keeping with her spirit of generosity, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Kingdom Patrons, where they will be distributed by her family to those in need. May we all strive to continue her incredible legacy.

Kingdom Patrons Inc.
PO Box 423
Silverdale, PA 18962

Arrangements are by the Suess-Gahman Funeral Home & Crematory, 606 Arch Street, Perkasie, PA.