Edna Louise Jackson Thomas was the daughter of Jabez Walter Jackson and Catherine Gibbons Taylor Jackson, she was the eldest of five siblings. She often referred to herself as a “NORTH SHORE GIRL” having lived on North shore, Devonshire from her earlier years until about age 39, when she moved with her family to Paget. Edna was educated at the North Village School, under Mr. Rufus Stovell, then went to Miss Rosalie Hinson’s Berkeley Preparatory School, and progressed to the Berkeley Institute, under Mr. George A DaCosta. Edna met and married Easton Stanley Thomas and of that union had two children Stanley Thomas and Edna Thomas. She began her teaching Career in  1926 with Misses Adele and Ida Tucker at Paget Glebe School. She won a Government Scholarship and was able to attend Sherwood Teacher’s Training College in Jamaica West Indies for two years.

Upon returning to Bermuda she resumed teaching general subjects and  also served as a music teacher. She spent several years teaching in various schools and many positions, among them Paget Glebe, Central School, Temperence Hall as Head Teacher. She completed her teaching career at the Ord Road School (Paget Primary) from 1947-1975 before she retired. Even though retired Edna was determined to continue assisting in educating Bermuda’s children and every Friday afternoon she taught a sixth standard class about the special contributions made by people of colour such as George Washington Carver, Marion Anderson, and others. So determined was she to make sure children were aware of their history she totally ignored the instructions of the Director of Education at that time to stop the practice. Edna also loved music she was taught by her aunt Amy Jackson who taught her from the age of seven. She played her first service at eight years old at Grace Methodist Church, unable to reach the pedals her sister Liz had to pump the bellows for her. Music became a great part of her life. She trained choirs and individuals. She showed her  love for the church by becoming involved in their many projects to improve and upkeep the church. She served as Choir Director and Organist at both Grace Church and Cobb’s Hill Methodist. In 1993 she retired from Cobb’s Hill Church but continued to minister with her music at Grace Methodist until 2002 where she became Organist Emeritus. She continued giving private piano lessons until June 2002 at age 92. Edna enjoyed Swimming, Travelling, Baking and Gardening. She received the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of honour in 1994 for the various contributions to her church and community. She was a committed Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Community worker. Well done Edna may you never be forgotten.