Cecilia B. Thomas

Mrs. Cecilia B. Thomas came into this world to the late Stephen Ford and Laurel Jesse on October 12, 1941 in the Republic of Panama. She was the fifth of seven children, who grew up in Paraiso, Canal Zone. Her mother passed away when she was eight years old, but Cecilia was a lively girl and loved to be surrounded by friends and family.

As a young adult, she enjoyed listening to music by Benny More, Vicentico Valdez and some of the classic Latin bolero singers. She sneaked into a few “Toldos” with her best friend Marva Blandford and danced on stage with Benny More, an experience she delightfully shared whenever she could. She was introduced to young debonair Harold Thomas at a party in Colon, which was hosted by her cousin Una Jesse. Cecilia asked Harold to dance, and that was the beginning of their love affair. They had a long-distance relationship between Panama City and Colon for several months until they were married. They moved to Colon where they started a family. They were married for 56 years and had five lovely girls.

Cecilia developed an expertise in cake decorating, floral arrangements and home design and, throughout the rest of her life, had a small business using these skills. They lived in Sabanitas, Colon until they immigrated to the United States.

In March of 1980, Cecilia joined her brothers and sisters who were already living in the United States and settled in Queens, New York. Harold later joined her in 1981. They both settled in Cambria Heights, New York and later Uniondale, New York. The move to Queens allowed her to strengthen her bond with her siblings: Evelyn, Franklyn, Lynn, Vincent, Earl and Nando. She made way through hard work and support from her siblings for her children to transition into the United States. During this time, she worked as a teacher assistant at United Cerebral Palsy and later at Epilepsy Foundation. Her strength was in caring and she, undoubtedly, inspired her daughters to pursue professions serving others in need.

Cecilia and Harold moved to Fort Washington, Maryland and lived there for seven years until they moved to Florida and settled in Port Saint Lucie. She was blessed with five grandchildren: Sevi, Gianni, Christian, Brielle and Sebastian. She took an active role in their upbringing and was the matriarch of the family. As with her daughters, she instilled in her grandchildren the importance of education, family, honor and integrity.

Cecilia was fortunate in having life-long friends such as Bernice Ogilvie and other wonderful friends in the US and Panama. She developed close relationships with great neighbors, who she treasured dearly. With her friends, she frequently celebrated Birthdays, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day. She was well known for her love of celebrating holidays and she particularly loved Christmas was known for her over-the-top Christmas decorations. She loved to cook and was the ultimate hostess.

Cecilia dreamed of traveling to Cuba, the homeland of Benny More, and her dream came through when she and Harold went to Havana in 2016. She also enjoyed travel to Spain, Canada, Jamaica, Barbados, Belize, Mexico, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands.

Cecilia’s passion included her family and friends, her love of dancing and music, most notably Johnny Mathis, Salsa and Latin music. She was an avid animal lover and protector. She also loved house design, listening and discussing politics, cooking, watching Spanish telenovelas, shopping, and, let’s not forget, she liked anything and everything that glittered.

Cecilia was known for her zest for life. She was smart, kind, loving and nurturing. She had a loving heart and would treat strangers as family. Most importantly, she was a devoted Christian and loved the Lord from an early age. She enjoyed Bible Study and was a member of various church ministries in Maryland.

Cecilia was surely Blessed and lived her life to the fullest and, in so doing, she left an indelible mark in the hearts of those she came across. She will never be forgotten and will be profoundly missed.
Mrs. Cecilia B. Thomas departed this life unexpectedly on Thursday, October 4, 2018.

She was preceded in death by her parents Stephen Ford and Laurel Jesse, her sister Evelyn Hogan and her brothers, Franklin Ford and Earl Ford, by her niece Stephanie Ford. She is survived by her loving husband Mr. Harold Thomas; by her daughters: Dr. Tania Thomas-Presswood, Dr. Giovana Thomas-Smith, Mrs. Liza Ford, Ms. Idania Thomas and Ms. Kristal Thomas; by her son-in-laws: Mr. Severio Ford, Dr. Donald Presswood, and Dr. Damone Smith; by her grandchildren, Sevi Ford, Gianni Ford, Christian Smith, Brielle Presswood and Sebastian Smith; by her siblings: Mr. Vincent Ford, Mrs. Lynn Geno and Mr. Hernando Ford; by her nieces and nephews: Mr. Carl Ford, Mr. Yusef Ford, Mrs. Sabrina Walker, Mrs. Lori Waterman, Mrs. Dana Hogan, Mr. Stephen Ford, Mr. Derek Hogan, Mrs. Esperanza Williams, Mr. Franklin Ford, Ms. Allegra Geno, Ms. Julai Ford, Mr. Daniel Ford, Mr. Salim Ford, Ms. Melissa Ford, Mrs. Keisha Gerlach, Mr. David Geno, Ephraim Ford, Mr. Marvin Turley and Lydia Turley and by countless cousins, brother and sister-in-laws and friends.

The Acknowledgements
The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the following individuals: Nelva Coates, Lori Waterman, Icilda Smith, Hector and Blossom Johnson, Rhona and Wycleft Lyew, Severio Ford, Gloria Dunlap, Pastor Edwards, Pastor Bryan Herrington and countless others who provided comforting prayers, messages, and other expressions of kindness and concerns. May God continue to Bless you.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 from 6PM to 9PM at the Haisley Tribute Center 2041 SW Bayshore Blvd Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34984. A service will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2018 starting at 11AM at First Baptist Church - PSL 115 NE Solida Dr, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983.