Our Story

Early Life

Thelma Zenaida Ellis (Sixteen, Aunt Thelma) was born in Havana, Cuba on June 5, 1923. She was the last child of Martin Luther Ellis and Maggie Adina Ellis. She came to Jamaica at the age of five and lived in Berrydale, Clarendon. She was educated at the Porus Elementary School and did not have the opportunity to pursue secondary level education.

Life in the Community

In her former years, she was a fish vendor, after which she sold food to persons who worked at the Duckenfield Sugar Estate for many years. Everyone could remember her dumpling and fish, ginger beer and bouyo. It was not unusual to see her riding her bicycle with something on her head, in the bar of the bicycle, and on the back — everyone admired her balance and spirit.

She was a loving and caring person in the community. She helped many and always gave from what she had. She was a very jovial person and made friends easily with everyone. Her sound advice has helped many in the community. Thelma Ellis was also a member of the Jamaica Excelsior Society for many years.

Later Years

Thelma migrated to the United States of America to join her daughters and grandchildren in 1993. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease soon after. She returned to Jamaica in 1996 and was later placed in a nursing home. In June 1997 she was moved to Milvaja Health Complex in Port Morant, St. Thomas. She was doing well and thought the nurses there were her children and grandchildren — it was not unusual to find her singing and dancing. She was an avid dancer and used to dance at the sound of music.

Sadly, she passed on Tuesday, February 11, 2003, peacefully in her sleep.