Blanche was born January 9, 1917 to Joclyn and Imogene (Butler) Thomas in Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies. At an early age, she aspired to become a nurse and the dream became a reality when she received her diploma in Nurse Midwifery from the Victoria Lying - In Hospital, currently known as Victoria Jubilee Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. Blanche worked with the Jamaica Parish Council and was the district midwife in the parishes of Clarendon, St. Ann and St. Andrew. In this position, she hosted monthly clinics with public health nurses educating the community on health care. She made home visits to deliver babies and provide prenatal and postnatal care to these families. Blanche was loved and appreciated by many for the excellent work, kindness and generosity.
Blanche migrated to the United States in later years and resided in Brooklyn, New York, where she worked at Lutheran Hospital and Brookdale Hospital, from where she retired. In 1984, she moved to Florida to reside with daughter, Grace, and became a vital part of the family. Blanche enjoyed gardening and caring for her grandchildren. She attended Church of the Risen Messiah and was affectionately addressed as "Ma Blanche," since she has been the oldest member of the church.
Blanche is survived by her children, Grace Long and Trevor Small; daughter in law, Sharon Small; grandchildren, Richard Duplessy, Sabine Duplessy, Jessica Long, Troy Small, Ashley Small, Shannon Small, Damion Small, Taniesha Small, and Wendyann Small; and several great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed for her beautiful nurturing spirit and candor.
A visitation for Blanche will be held Saturday, June 29, 2019 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Kraeer Funeral Home, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064. The funeral service will follow at 12:30 PM. The committal service will occur Saturday, at 1:30 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial gardens.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com for the Thomas family.
