Obituary of Ceylema C. Straker

Sunrise July 18, 1925 - Sunset September 15, 2022 On July 18, 1925, Lillian Golden and Percival Thomas celebrated the birth of their angel Ceylema Caroline Thomas. Ceylema Caroline Thomas was born in Camaguey, Cuba. As a young girl, and after losing her mother Lillian, Ceylema and her father, Percival migrated to Jamaica, West Indies. When she was old enough, without permission from her father she joined the British Army. While stationed at the military base in Jamaica, she met Lascelles Oswald Straker, the love of her life and they eventually got married. She leaves a career in nursing to begin what would later be known as the Straker brood. Ceylema (affectionately known as Momma) and Lascelles would have seven children, Marva (Pam), Glen (now deceased), Antoinette (Ellena), Claudia, Lascelles (Michael), before migrating to the United States. Along came Andrew and Pauline (now deceased) thus completing the Straker brood. Ceylema would lose her soul mate of 62 years in May 2007. Ceylema's passion was her children and her grandchildren. She was the glue that held her family together. She led her family with quiet strength. She fussed and worried over them endlessly. Ceylema was a very soft-spoken person who also developed good lasting friendships. People were drawn to her warmth and loving spirit. However, Ceylema being a good mom was not her only redeeming quality. She was intelligent and she could do crossword puzzles in pen. She was well versed on many topics past and present. She read the newspaper every day. She was sharp and focused, there was no pulling the wool over her eyes. Ceylema Caroline Straker entered into rest on September 15, 2022, in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by loved ones. Ceylema leaves to cherish her loving memory: Her five living children, Pam, Ellie, Claudia, Michael and Andrew. Her Son-in-Law, Henley, Daughters-in-Law, Arlene and Arlenia. Seven Grandchildren, Jr, Nicole, Antonio, Geneva, Louis, Janela, Joel; Fourteen Great Grand Children, Shaina, Allen, Maya, Jalen, AJ, Trinidad, Tyhir, Judah, Sydni, Elijah, Anisah, Lorenzo, Julian and Adrian; The 5th Generation: Samali and Syrus. Her precious Grand children who preceded her in death are Marcia, Michelle and Destiny. Mourning Ceylema are her many loving sisters and brothers, Cynthia (now deceased), Dell, Rose, Kenneth, Allan, Norman and Andrew. Several nieces and nephews, Grandnieces and Grandnephews. Closest and dearest friends; Thaddeus and Tina Anglin, Louis Wiggan and many more too numerous to mention. Ceylema is going to be greatly missed by all. ~Lovingly Submitted by the Straker Family. The Family will receive relatives and friends from 5-6PM on Tuesday, September 20th at the Riverview Funeral Home, 218 2nd Avenue (corner of 104th Street) in Troy, where a funeral service will be held in the funeral home's chapel at 6PM that same evening. To leave a special message for the family, please visit: TheRiverviewFuneralHome.com Visitation 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Riverview Funeral Home 218 2nd Avenue Troy, New York, United States 12180 Funeral Service 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Riverview Funeral Home 218 2nd Avenue Troy, New York, United States 12180