Erolyn Church

Mrs. Church was born in Jesup, Georgia on October 31, 1920 to her parents Annie Bell Broadwater Thomas and James Roy Thomas. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1938, and continued her studies in accounting and business at Jacksonville's Business College following her high school experience. She married Harold Church, also from Jacksonville, on February 22, 1941. Shortly after their marriage the couple moved to Montana for a brief stay. They were then happy to move back to Jacksonville, making it their permanent and long term home.

Mrs. Church worked for Eastern Airlines as a young adult, later taking on the role of bookkeeper at Thomas & Padgett, where she served faithfully for many years until retiring later in life. Erolyn was an avid canasta card player, beating anyone who would play with her. She was a founding member of Ortega United Methodist Church, attending faithfully her entire life. She was always concerned for others and nothing made her happier than doing something for someone in need.

Mrs. Church is survived by her daughters Barbara Burns and husband Danny Burns, Gayle Lacey and husband Bung Kim; grandchildren Stacey Virata and husband Brian Virata, Stephanie Cauble and husband Kyle Cauble, Michael Lacey and wife Melissa Lacey, and Jeffrey Lacey and wife Sheresa Lacey; great grandchildren Bryce and Anastasia Virata, Kelsey Leigh Cauble, Noah and Silas Lacey, and Cole and Ava Lacey; brothers Charles W. Thomas, Robert C. Thomas; and sister Patricia Thomas Bibb. She is preceded in death by her husband, Harold; daughter Dorothy Gay Church; her parents; brothers James R. Thomas III, J. Wesley Thomas, Royce P. (Bo) Thomas, Johnny L. Crozier; and sisters Martha Thomas Theriault, and Clarice Thomas Padgett.

A Service of Celebration will be held at Ortega United Methodist Church, 4807 Roosevelt Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, February 13th at 2:00 PM. Graveside burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida on Monday, February 15th at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, gifts to either Ortega United Methodist Church or the Salvation Army would be pleasing to Erolyn.