Sharon Lynn Thompson

Sharon L. Thompson of Walla Walla passed away on October 9, 2025, in her home, at age 82, following a brief illness with metastatic colon cancer. She was surrounded by her daughter and granddaughters.

Sharon was born in Walla Walla in 1943 to Helen Sanders Atkinson and Emory E. Atkinson while her father was overseas serving in the US Army during WWII. He finally met his precious only child when she was a year old. Doted on by family, she spent much time at her grandparents’ wheat farm near Prescott, where she was fascinated with an old violin of unknown origin. Sharon joined the Sharpstein Elementary School under the direction of Clarence Cassell and by age 14, was playing in the Walla Walla Symphony. Her early skills included fiddling and playing for local dances, as she had the ability to play anything she heard. The violin provided her with so many opportunities, including playing for WSU’s string quartet and traveling to Europe for a month-long orchestra concert tour with People-To-People.

In 1961, Sharon graduated from Wa-Hi, then attended WSU briefly before returning to her beloved hometown, where she played with the Walla Walla Symphony for over 65 years. She also served as the symphony’s librarian, personnel director, and ultimately the general manager until she retired from the office at age 67. Until 2024, Sharon continued playing for the Walla Walla Symphony, Oregon East Symphony, and occasionally the Mid-Columbia Symphony in addition to numerous local concerts, musicals, and events. As of late, she was a member of The Wednesday Night Band, playing for local contra dances. Sharon treasured her family and her countless friendships, and relished working with fellow musicians, artists, and anyone who shared her deep love of music. Sharon will be remembered for her warm smile, infectious laugh, and steadfast dedication to those she loved, sharing her culinary creations, and for encouraging younger musical talent as well.

Survivors include her daughter, Vickie Thompson; granddaughters, Simone and Andrea; and many beloved cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband, Ronald Thompson, and partner Bill Boone.

Sharon’s wish to have no service will be honored. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Walla Walla Symphony, Walla Walla Community Hospice, The Christian Aid Center, or charity of choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.