Sarah Crandall Bayliss Thompson

1976 - 2025

Sarah Crandall Bayliss Thompson

August 29, 1976 - January 31, 2025

We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our dear Crandall, who passed away on January 31, 2025. Born on August 29th, 1976, to William and Catherine Bayliss in Richmond, VA, Crandall attended St. Catherine's School, graduating in 1994. A naturally gifted athlete, she rode horses, played tennis, and was on the dive team throughout her childhood and high school years.

After St. Catherine's, Crandall attended the University of Virginia, where she met the love of her life, Justin Thompson. They graduated in 1998 and married the following summer, beginning their life together. After working for a few years, Crandall and Justin started a family, raising three incredible children. She dedicated her life and talents to her children, watching them play sports, especially tennis, and cheering them on as they advanced through the ranks. She was immensely proud of all their accomplishments, always their number one fan, celebrating their highs, consoling them during their lows, and encouraging them to do their best no matter what. Crandall was fair, honest, and kind, and she was most proud to see these traits embodied in her children.

Crandall was an instructor at Rock Steady Boxing, where she thrived teaching classes to those battling Parkinson's disease. Their infectious positivity inspired her every day. She was a member of the Country Club of Virginia, where she enjoyed working out and socializing with group exercise classmates and instructors. She was also a member of The Women's Club. Crandall loved country music, the beach, UVA sports, and above all, her family.

Crandall is survived by her husband of 25 years, Justin Shane Thompson; her children, William Delaney, Sarah McKinley, and Claiborne Marie; her parents, William Delaney and Catherine Moss Bayliss; her sister Tucker Bayliss Deal (Wyatt); her in-laws William McKinley Thompson III and Susan Roenick Thompson; her brothers-in-law, William McKinley Thompson IV (Beni) and Micah Sean Thompson (Debbie); her nieces, Alayna Thompson, Isabella Thompson, Madeline Thompson, Delaney Deal, and Libby Deal; her nephews, Coleman Thompson, Noah Thompson, Christian Thompson, and Aiden Thompson; her aunts, Jane Lambert (Paul) and Betsy Moss; and her uncles, Robert Moss, Robert Bayliss (Patricia), and George Bayliss (Heather); and a host of cousins whom she dearly loved.

Crandall is preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Helen Moss and George and Polly Bayliss, and her aunt, Nancy Moss German.

Crandall was truly the best daughter, sister, wife, aunt and most of all, mother. Always a caring friend to many and the dearest friend to the lucky few, she will be incredibly missed and never forgotten. Life was always better with Crandall, and we pray her memory will carry on to bless us all.

Also, we're pretty sure Crandall is already arranging a tennis tournament in heaven, making everyone laugh, and ensuring the angels have the best workout routines. We love and miss you. Keep shining, Cran!

A service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia on Friday, Febraury 7 at 11 a.m. For more service details, please visit Blileys.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to UVA Health Foundation or Sheltering Arms.