Eldra Newton-Rawlins, born on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, on Sept. 24, 1938, died peacefully at home in the loving care of her daughter, Juliet King Hendrickson and her loving grandson, Akijah Newton, on Jan. 24, on St. Thomas.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Arturo Thomas and Alice George; and her eldest son, Phillip Herbert II.
She is survived by her 10 children: Janet Grice, Juliet King Hendrickson, Janice King, Marilyn, Jeffrey, Leone, Roy, Stephanie, Shawn Newton and Franklin Rawlins Jr.; 35 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren too numerous to mention. She is also survived by brother, Lawrence Williams; and sisters: Flora Edward and Doreen Williams.
Eldra, affectionately known as “Aya,” grew up in the Garden Street area and lived in various housing communities. She was a family-oriented person who was loved by her family. Aya was baptized and became closer to the Lord. Aya was the true matriarch of the family and will be missed dearly.
Her funeral is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, at Frenchtown Evangelistic Assembly, with interment following at Western Cemetery No. 2.
Arrangements are under the care of Turnbull Funeral Home and Cremation of St. Thomas. The family is asking those in attendance to wear white.
