THELMA EYAMIDE JOHN's Obituary
Thelma Eyamide John (nee Hebron) was born from proud parents Bankole Harold Hebron and Rhoda Janet Hebron on 29th September 1939 in Freetown, Sierra Leone. She began early education within the confines of the Freetown Secondary School for Girls in 1945, after which she pursued higher education at the Fourah Bay College in 1957. Thelma launched her professional career working for the Government of Sierra Leone, before traveling to the United Kingdom to further her studies in 1963.
While studying in the United Kingdom, she met and married Isaiah Boysie Claudius John. Upon returning to Freetown, Sierra Leone, she and her husband relocated to Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in 1965. There, her husband, Isaiah, worked with the African Development Bank, while Thelma worked as the Secretary of the Resident Representative at the World Bank’s Regional Office. They spent 30 years in Côte d'Ivoire, where she became widely known for her warmth, generosity, and gracious hospitality. Her home was always open, and she welcomed countless guests, building lasting friendships along the way.
In recognition of her professional dedication and contributions, she received an Award from the World Bank and a Medal by the Government of Côte d'Ivoire. She retired early in 1995.
Following her retirement, she returned to Sierra Leone in 1996 with her husband. In 2000, they immigrated to the United States, where she ultimately made her final home and resting place.
Thelma was a devoted Christian who placed great importance on family. She was a nurturing and guiding presence, not only to her loved ones, but also to many others who sought her counsel, support, and care.
Her husband and herself were blessed with two children – Claude Donald John and Avril Thelisa Pleasant, three grandchildren, Claude Anthony John, Natacha Ashley John, and Nasya Leilani Pleasant, a daughter in-law, Jennifer (Meade) John, a great grandchild, Micah Claude Francis John, and an adopted daughter Safiatu Fortune.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchild, adopted child, sisters, brother, cousins, brothers-in law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, a host of relatives and friends in Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, the United States, Africa and Europe.
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