Merdis Civilla Thomas

Merdis Civille (Clarke) Thomas was born on September 23, 1939, to Harold and Vivian Clarke in Blackness, Westmoreland, Jamaica the first child of four children and the only girl.  She became a teacher and taught elementary school for 19 years before she emigrated to the United States in 1985 for a better life for her family where she became a Medicine Aide at the Hebrew Home in Rockville, Maryland.

In 2002 Merdis retired and returned home to Jamaica as she had accomplished her main goal when she moved to the United States which was to get a good education for her children, all three of her children have college degrees.  In facts, her son Marlon completed his PhD in 2010 and was assistant Professor at two different universities, teaching as he was inspired by his mother. 

In 2012, due to health challenges both Merdis and Rennie returned to the United States full time living with their eldest child, Dionne Thomas till she passed away on July 31, 2022. Merdis is survived by her spouse of 50 years, Rennie Thomas; children Dionne Thomas, Marlon Thomas and Nicole Buford; brothers, Wildell Clarke and Crosby Clarke and a host of other relatives.

Merdis was a very loving and dedicated mother.  She was well loved by family and friends and will be sorely missed.