The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION AND HONOR OF THE LIFE OF ELANA THOMAS
______
HON. NEAL P. DUNN
of florida
in the house of representatives
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of a special member of my community, Ms. Elana Thomas, who went to be with her Savior on March 1, 2021.
Elana was born May 7, 1948, in the small rural community of Sneads, Florida. Surrounded by pine forests and agricultural land, Sneads and greater Jackson County are home to hard-working men and women, many of great faith and fortitude. Elana was no exception.
Her life was not marked by monetary wealth or great business achievements, but her impact within her community was vast. She was not an elected official, but she was a leader to those who knew her. She was a trusted counselor and friend to many, a sounding board, and a valued advisor. She will be sorely missed, but those who knew her in life are assured she is in a much better place. Her faith in God was the bedrock she built her life upon.
Elana was a devoted church member of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church for more than 30 years, often serving as a lay speaker or leading songs during services. She taught teens during Sunday School and was the president of the church's ushers' ministry. She had a comprehensive knowledge of the Bible, which she read and studied every day. She would often quote scripture to folks in crisis, providing them with relatable passages that might help them get through the period of turmoil they were experiencing. She counseled those in distress, providing loving and kind advice and direction to those who sought it from her.
She ministered with members of her church to inmates at nearby Apalachee Correctional Institution, volunteering her time and treasure to help men who had strayed from the path regain their footing for an eventual successful restoration back to their communities. She performed local missionary work, helping those less fortunate with a helping hand, a kind word, and a shoulder to lean upon.
When her mother fell ill, she diligently visited her every day she was able, in the assisted living facility, even after her own health made it difficult to do so. When her mother passed away, it was Elana who gave the eulogy, speaking eloquently and from the heart about her mother to the assembled family and friends who came to mourn her passing. Elana never let her health issues deter her from the service she was called to do.
Madam Speaker, allow me this moment to express condolences to Elana's family, friends, and colleagues. Though her presence will be sorely missed by many, I pray we may find solace in remembering her legacy for years to come. On March 13, 2021, family and friends traveled from far and near to celebrate her life and her church family was in attendance in great numbers. In the words of Bishop Adrian Abner of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church, ``Elana lived a life of devotion to those less fortunate. She was a woman of great faith and prayer and a treasured member of this church and our community. She touched many with her kindness in word and deed.'' She leaves treasured memories with one son, Eddie D. Lovett, II and wife Susan of Raleigh, North Carolina; one brother, Jimmy Walker of Oxon Hill, Maryland; two grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. I join the entire community in honoring Elana Thomas for her dedicated life of service to others.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 65
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