[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 65 (Thursday, April 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION AND HONOR OF THE LIFE OF ELANA THOMAS

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                           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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