Clarissa King-Thomas

Clarissa King Thomas, affectionately known to many as Cislyn, Aunt C, Mom, and Grandma, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, June 13, 2024 in her home, surrounded by her family. Born in John’s Hall, Clarendon, Jamaica on August 17,1943, Clarissa was the daughter of the late Rudolph and Viola Whittaker. She attended St. Monica’s Academy, and after completing her studies there, she studied to become an accountant. She met and married the late Hugh King, and they relocated to Kingston, Jamaica where she worked as an accountant for National Bakery. Clarissa and Hugh’s union produced three beautiful children – Michael, Maureen, and Michelle, all whom she loved dearly. While in Jamaica, Clarissa thoroughly enjoyed the beach, entertaining, and traveling around the Island. Clarissa migrated to the United States to create a better future for her family, where she worked in her field of study for many different corporations such as Goodyear in Jamaica Limited, Hertz, and American Express. While working with American Express she was relocated to Orlando, Florida. Clarissa eventually ended her professional service to corporate America, when she retired from Sprint PCS. When her beautiful mother Viola, the Matriarch of the family, passed away, Clarissa stepped right in to fill her shoes. She was honored to be the 2nd Matriarch of the family she loved and cherished throughout her entire life. She continuously opened her home to many family members and friends alike, using her gift of being a super hairdresser, a cook who made memorable and tasty meals, and being a wonderful shopping partner to any who dare to venture out with her. Clarissa’s love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, was evident in all she did. She loved serving Him and making herself available to her brothers and sisters in Christ. She joined First Baptist Church of Central Florida, under the leadership of Dr. Gene Pritchard, and later became a charter member of Grace Bible Church of Central Florida, where she hosted Women’s Bible Studies and Prayer Meetings in her home until her health began to fail her. In 2006 Clarissa was blessed yet again when she met and married Leapert Thomas. The two loved attending church together, traveling, playing dominoes, and entertaining. Clarissa was a blessed Mighty Woman of God, AND she was a blessing to others. She was loved by many, and will be missed by all that knew and loved her. Clarissa King Thomas was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Alphonso Spencer. She leaves to mourn many beautiful memories of a life well-lived: her husband – Leapert “Tommy” Thomas; son – Micheal King (Vivene); daughters – Maureen, and Michelle (Joseph); bonus children – Phillip and Yvette; brother – Michael (Dr. Barbara) Whittaker; sisters – Cynthia Davis (Bishop Donald) Davis, and Sylvia Stewart; grandchildren – Donya, Warren, Elliott, Mikayla, Nicholas, Nathanael, Joshua, Jordan, and Kristen; great grands – Tyla, Zaiven, Chase and Mason; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention

Tributes

Clarissa King-Thomas

August 17, 1943 - June 13, 2024