Priscilla Thomas, the beloved firstborn daughter of Daniel J. Thomas (Tampa, Florida) and Wilhelmina B. Thomas (Tampa, Florida), was born on September 19, 1966 in Jamaica Long Island, New York. About six years later, she moved with her family to Tampa, Florida. She later became a part of the spiritual family at the Countryway Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Tampa.
As a young child, Priscilla, (or “Cilla” as she was called by her family), participated in many activities, such as art, swimming, ballet, tap, and playing the piano. She loved Broadway musicals, with Fiddler on the Roof being one of her favorites. After high school, Priscilla worked at childcare facilities for several years and truly enjoyed caring for and being around children. She often remarked that it was very tiring but a lot of fun. Following her dedication and baptism on October 17, 1986, Priscilla’s faith and love for Jehovah God grew and remained strong for her entire life. When she was able to participate in extra Bible education volunteer work in the community as an auxiliary pioneer, it was her greatest experiences. Persistent prayer was her regular practice to stay close to Him and to receive the strength needed throughout all the years she dealt with constant physical challenges, and she continued to persevere.
Priscilla was known as a very sweet, kind, and compassionate person. She was extremely caring and was always thinking of others and their needs before her own. Her thoughts were of wanting her family and everyone she saw or met to be and feel better, because she truly loved people and was a great listener. No one that she came in contact with escaped her notice, whether they were joyful or in pain. Anything Priscilla read or researched was sent to or shared with others---with the goal of providing constant support and relief, particularly from her favorite source of comfort, God’s Word the Bible. Priscilla loved to make phone calls and write loving letters to everyone she knew. These letters were not typed, but handwritten with care. Writing was therapeutic for her in dealing with daily physical struggles, but it was also a way for her to stay connected and be encouraging to others. As an avid reader, she could also read through material and books at such a rapid pace while condensing it, but slowing down for the most important spiritual information. Reading and meditation brought Priscilla much joy.
As quiet as Priscilla could be at times, she was always vocal about her love for Jehovah and the hope of the promised future of a physical and spiritual paradise on earth as mentioned at Psalms 37:9-11. A wonderful future where she could be the healthiest person possible, as God had originally intended for mankind. In addition to both of her parents, Priscilla is survived by her sister, Deborah Dupree and brother-in-law, Emmanuel Dupree of Roswell, GA.
“Not one of us, in fact, lives with regard to himself only, and no one dies with regard to himself only. For if we live, we live to Jehovah, and if we die, we die to Jehovah. So both if we live and if we die, we belong to Jehovah.” ----- Romans 14:7, 8
A remote memorial talk will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 3:00pm EST facilitated over Zoom. The family would like to thank you for the many expressions of love and support offered to them during this very difficult time. To all those interested in learning more about the Bible and the wonderful hope for the future that sustained Priscilla, please visit JW.org to learn more and of other topics.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that those funds be donated to JW.org in an effort to further the important work in which Priscilla was engaged. (Matthew 24:14)
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