Thelma B. Clarke, 92, of Maitland, Florida passed away Sunday, October 7, 2018. Thelma Clarke was born in Clarendon, Jamaica on September 4, 1926. She was the eldest of 7 children; 6 girls and 1 boy, born to Charles and Icilda McKenzie. Melba, one of her younger sisters, died from lightning at age 14. Thelma was very fond of her sisters and brother, she was very loving and caring for them! She attended school in Clarendon were she grew up.

Later she moved to Kingston, Jamaica where she met and married Cyrene Clarke, a tailor. From this marriage they raised 6 children. Her husband Cyrene was a Jehovah's Witness, who raised his children from infancy and young ages as the same. Her husband continued to raise the children after Thelma migrated to the United States of America in Evanston, Illinois in the late sixties. She then continued to work as a Caretaker for 2 years, as she continued to assist her spouse in the raising of the children, before they all migrated and joined their beautiful mother and wife.

However, after the family joined her, sadly, her husband died leaving behind his beloved wife Thelma and their minor children, from the tender ages of 9-16. Thelma, being a hard worker, decided to work 3 jobs after his death to provide sustenance, food, and shelter for their needs, so they would not be depended on government sources for assistance. She continued working until her children could take care of themselves!

Thelma was an excellent cook known for her famous brown stew chicken, oxtail, rice and peas, and Red Snapper Fish. Oooh oooh, she had a tasteful hand! Many of the children that grew up in Evanston Congregation, can attest to the fact of her wonderful meals, as they would join her children for many weekends meals, especially on Sunday. Yes, Thelma's house was full on Sunday and she enjoyed this hospitality with friends and family!

Thelma's cherished and greatest moments were her baptism, and her dedication some 30+ years ago proclaiming her faith as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, with the Evanston Illinois Congregation, and aided in the rebuilding of the Evanston Kingdom Hall doing all she could to assist!

In 2007, she moved to Orlando, FL where she lived with her daughter and son-in-law, as she continued to worship in the Maitland Congregation, faithfully till her death.

Thelma leaves to cherish her memory of her 6 children, Maxcene, Steve (Norma), Sheriah (Berris) Albert (Diane), Horleane and Nuncia (Mark). Her grandchildren, Patara, Shara, Jonathan, Christine, Orlando and Calvin. Her great grandchildren David, Jaela, Andrew, Yolanda. Her first grandchild Michael preceded her in death in 2010. Also she leaves to cherish her memory, all her sisters, Gloria, Monica, Faye, Marcia, and her brother Bob, and a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Acknowledgements

The family of Thelma Clarke wishes to thank everyone, for their warm words, thoughts, care, much love, and prayers, which helped to sustain us in this very difficult time!

What a Wonderful Hope of the Resurrection found in God's Word that Jehovah God will wipe away all mourning, pain and death will be no more.