Therice Lena Clemmings

On Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the age of 84, Therice went home to be with the Lord surrounded by her four daughters and close friends in Tacoma, WA.
She was the daughter of Mera Williams and Othniel George Clemmings Sr.

Therice was born on March 8, 1934 in Oracabessa, St. Mary, Jamaica West Indies. Between her mother, and father she had 36 brothers and sisters; some of whom preceded her in death.

When she was about eleven years old, she moved to Kingston to live with her Aunt Kerene Robinson and Cousin, Louise Bennett (“Miss Lou”), both of whom preceded her in death.

In 1955 married Hopeton Swaby, who also preceded her in death. Together they had three children: Christine, Althea, and Odette. They were divorced shortly after the third child was born. Ten years after the birth of her first child, Therice was blessed with a fourth child, Simone.

Therice was a God-fearing woman who always prayed and thanked God for all her Blessings and that GOD would also provide for the less-fortunate as He provided for us. She was a very caring, strong, kind, selfless, independent, dependable, determined, hardworking go-getter. The word “CAN’T” was “found in the dictionary fools!” Her word was her bond. She was always there, our Angel on earth with a heart of pure gold!

While living Jamaica, Therice worked at the Bustamante Children’s Hospital doing what she loves best, loving and caring for the patients. She did not limit herself to the Ward (Floor), but she assisted with the preparation of and with surgery, and the pre and post operations.

When Therice migrated to the United States, she continued her work as a caregiver, caring for children and adults whether it’s in their homes, hospitals, or extended care facilities. She also furthered her education by completing The Certified Nurse’s Assistant course at Oakton Community College.

Therice was an active member and Chaplain of Unity Church on the North Shore. Even after relocating to Washington State in 2008, she maintained her connection as a devoted member of the prayer team. She loved being involved in church, and community work. She also loved to cook, travel, look at planes, and most of all, to spend quality time with her friends and family.

She is survived in death by her four daughters: Christine, Althea, Odette and Simone; seven (7) grandchildren: Neville, Jr., Magelica, Tiffany, Krystal, Nathan, Natalie, Trevor; four (4) great grandchildren: Mecari, Kijuan, Preston, and Turahn, Jr.; at least seventeen known brothers and sisters, several cousins, and a multitude of nephews, nieces, great friends and extended families.