Just about the entire clan of Blacks, who are offspring of the late Calvin and Mary Elizabeth Black, together with a wide circle of friends and admirers, turned out to pay last respects to Sybil Albertha Louise (Black) Thomas at St. John's Anglican Church in Pembroke.

Sybil (pictured at right) was the second daughter of the nine children of Calvin and Mary when she was born on January 15, 1924. She was just over a month short of her 84th birthday when she died on December 1.

Mrs. Thomas was eulogised for her quiet but friendly disposition towards her family and friends, and dedication to her church at St. John's and St. Monica's Mission around which much of her life centred.

The Rev. Nicholas Dill officiated at the service, assisted by Canon Thomas Nisbett.

Niece Avery Thomas related how in her early years Sybil was educated at Central School.

As a young girl, she worked at the Canning Plant Government operated during the war years at the Department of Agriculture, canning vegetable for export abroad.

Later she worked at the US Kindley Air Force base, retiring after 23 years there to devote full time to her family. In 1962 she became the wife of McNiel Thomas, a union that produced sons Cavolei and Berwin.

Mrs. Thomas was predeceased by her brothers, Albron (Chump) and Elmore (Turp) Black and sister Elspeth Black.

Chief mourners at the funeral were her sons and wives; her sisters Ambrosine Black, Mrs. Hilda Simons and Mrs. Celeste Davis. (Not seen sister Avis Black). Brother Alpheus (Artie) Black is at right. Above, nephews bearing the coffin out of the church, were Malcolm and Averylon Simons, Gaven, Ian and Gregory Black and Wallace Davis. Nephews bearing the coffin into the church were Charles and Fred Hartman, Ashton, Albert and Dewitt Thomas and Glenville Deshields.