Clarice W. Thomas

Clarice W. Thomas- 89- Passed away July 20, 2011, after a battle with cancer. Born in Crewe Va., graduated from Eastern High School, Washington D.C. in 1940. She has been a resident of Orange Park since 1966. She is survived by two daughters, Carol C. (Lechner) Lively, Debra Crowder Fitch and one son, Lemuel H. Crowder III. She also has 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great granddaughter, and one niece and nephew in Virginia Bch. Va. Clarice was a Navy homemaker for 25 years. She then started her career as an Accounting Technician for the Navy Finance Dept at NAS Jax., where she retired at age 72, after 27 years of service. She was an active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 5968, Fleet Reserve Association Auxiliary Branch 91, NARFE. She was also a member of the Moose & the Marine Corp. League. She joined the American Business Women’s Association in 1972. She and other ABWA members worked very hard to establish a Chapter in Orange Park. She became the Charter Chapter President of the ABWA, and held various offices over the years. Through the ABWA Clarice worked diligently to help raise money for scholarships for women. She was devoted to her large family and felt blessed that most of her family lived in the area.

She was pre-deceased by her Mother, Sister, ex husband, Lemuel H. Crowder Jr. and husband William S. Thomas.

Anyone who knew Clarice, knew she loved life, and enjoyed every day. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 26, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Holly Hill Funeral Home, 3601 Old Jennings Rd. Middleburg, Fl. 32068 with Rev. Dale Horn officiating. The family will receive friends Monday from 7 to 9 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be in Holly Hill Memorial Park. Post tributes at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com or www.hollyhillfunerals.com