Ethel Louise Thomas

Ethel Louise Thomas, daughter of the late Rosita Dowling and Cyril Graham, was born on November 12th, 1942 on the island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. She spent the early years of her life swimming and dancing on the beautiful beaches of St. Thomas, USVI. Ethel was a vibrant driven young child who aspired to migrate to the United States to seek better educational opportunities. At the age of 16, her wishes were granted. She immigrated to the “Big Apple” better known as New York City and went on to graduate from Murry Bergtraum High School in Manhattan.

Ethel grew very fond of New York and all the city had to offer. There she met her loving husband, the late Roiston Thomas. The two were united in holy matrimony on October 15, 1960. Ethel and Roiston were happily married for 40 years and six children were born of that union. One predeceased her. (Roiston Rudolph Thomas Jr. ) Ethel the matriarch of the family had a passion for volunteering at the local schools in the community. She strongly believed in growth through education, hard work and championing the need to build a strong extended family network. In 1988, when Roiston retired, the couple relocated settling in Altamonte Springs, Florida.

Shortly after their arrival in Florida, Ethel pursued a career as a Teachers Assistant for the Community Care for Children, Inc. in Sanford, Fl. She worked tirelessly to ensure every child in her care fully recognized the value of education. Although Ethel enjoyed her career as a Teachers Assistant most of us would agree Ethel was also a phenomenal “event planner”.

Ethel loved people, was very generous and hospitable. She had an “open door policy” welcoming family and friends into her home at any time often without advance notice. Family and friends traveled near and far to attend Ethel’s holiday, birthday, and anniversary parties. When arriving at Ethel’s home everyone was greeted with a pleasant smile, warm embrace along with the directive “have some food”. Many of us always obliged knowing our taste buds would start dancing as we enjoyed the wholesome plate of food she prepared. Ethel was an exceptionally gifted cook.

In addition to cooking, Ethel loved flowers and tending her garden. Planting and repotting greenery were her weekend hobbies. She especially LOVED to weed the garden with her children as her helpers, when child labor laws were legal or so we were told.

She will be sorely missed and leaves behind to cherish her memory loving sons Rawle (Patricia), Rudolph and Jonathan (Tamiesha) and daughters Jacqueline “Jackie” (Jerome) and Irene “Rennie”.

Grandchildren - Kevoun Brown, Jonathan Cumming, Latisha Hancock, Monique Sands, Alia Thomas, Cedric Thomas, Jenesis Thomas, Shalena Thomas, Shamel Thomas, Tyrese Thomas, Allana Vinson (Reginald II), Lewis Williams (Danitza)

Great Grandchildren - Kendal Brown, Tyler George, Kassidy McGlasker, Kennedy McGlasker, Simone Redhead, Laqreus Williams, Tahleek Tucker, Zakiel Williams, Zariah Williams

Ethel is preceded in death by her siblings Anita Conner and Charles Graham. She’s survived by siblings Amalia Battle, Adlene Donovan, Elfreda Gattis, Lenora Graham and William Graham.

Her children rise up and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:28