Lydia Camelita Thomas-Parris died on Dec. 11, 2019, in Florida at the age of 75. She was born Aug. 16, 1944, on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. She is the daughter of the late Archibald “Archie” Thomas and the late Doris Peters Eugenio. She grew up in the countryside; later she moved to Frederiksted town where she grew up, and she resided in Estate Whim.
Lydia dedicated her time spent at church with family and friends. She attended Saint Paul’s Episcopal Anglican Church. There she was a member of E.W.C, the singing mass choir and the prayer group, and she was a diligent server in her church community.
While undergoing medical treatment, she attended the Potter’s House International Ministries in Jacksonville, Fla. No matter where she was, she made way to give her Lord praise. Lydia spent time enjoying family gatherings and traveling with her loved ones. Lydia was a caring, loving and devoted mother.
She is survived by children: Lydell Parris-Shaw, Wendell E. Parris Jr., Brenda P. Parris and Kai D. Parris; grandchildren: Wendell Parris III, Kiwala Lebron, La’Kisha Shaw, Kai D. Parris Jr., Ebony Parris, Monai Parris, Jahmara Parris, Amalike Parris, La’Kishma Shaw, Lionel Andreas, Kwon Andreas, Lalique Parris, Sieqorie Parris, Seiquoya Parris, Sheouya Parris, Urydia Andreas, Leondre Andreas, DeJoince Parris, Raphael Parris, Uniqua Benjamin, Aurelia Parris and Wendell E. Parris V; and great- grandchildren: K’layah Parris, Ava Martin, Wendell Parris IV, Dexter Glover, Rodney Burke Jr. and Rahsiel Burke.
She is also survived by sisters: Bernadette Williams, Laverne Lynch Ortiz, Juliltte Lewis, Patricia Thomas and Lenore Thomas; adopted sister, Annie Edney; brothers: Renwrick Lynch, Jerome Peters, Irvin Peters, Garrette Lynch, Archibald Thomas Jr., Ezra Thomas, Roy Thomas and Elvis Thomas; son-in-law, Bernard Shaw; son-in-law “to-be,” Steve McIntosh; ex-daughter-in-law, Sandy Ramsey; ex-spouse, Wendell E. Parris Sr.; and many nieces, nephews and godchildren, as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
The viewing will begin at 9 a.m. and the funeral service at 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Frederiksted. Interment will follow at Frederiksted Cemetery.
