Copyright virginislandsdailynews
It is with deep sadness the Blyden family announces the passing of their beloved mother, Elma Eugenie Pickering Blyden, of Tallahassee Fl., on Sept. 1, 2025, at age 91. She was an esteemed registered nurse of 40-plus years on St. Thomas, USVI. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and close friends in Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband, Abraham Ernest Blyden Jr., also known as “Boomski”, “Abe”, “Junie”, “Junior”, “Mr. B,” “Uncle Junie,” “Comrade” and “Pelican”; her eight siblings — brothers, Voosten Pickering, Leonard Pickering, Alcedo Pickering, Henry Pickering, Alvin Pickering and her adopted daughter, Daphne Dawson; her 12 in-laws, James Blyden (St. Thomas), Esther Matthias (St. Thomas), Louise Forbes-Prichett (New York), Edward Blyden (St. Thomas), Halvor Blyden (Virginia), Joseph Blyden (St. Thomas), Pastor Roy Blyden (St. Thomas), Ida Epps (Connecticut), Raymond Blyden (New York), Eli Blyden (New York), Nola Owens (North Carolina), Dr. Lydia Pickering (Tortola) and grandson Kevin (wife Shawn) Blyden Jr. Elma Blyden is survived by her seven children, Glenn Tyrone Blyden, Kevin Shawn (Ibo) Blyden, Brent Ernest Blyden, Merv Strafford Blyden, Craig Schubert Blyden, Laurelene Blyden-Calixte, Maritza Simone Blyden; three daughters-in-law, Eleanor Y. Brown-Blyden, Josette Courtois-Blyden and Stephanie Reese-Blyden; one son-in-law, Jean Boneil Calixte; 20 grandchildren, LaKesha C. Blyden, Deja C. Blyden, Leslie Shanice Blyden, Danielle A. Blyden, Paris S. Blyden, Kmani K. Fredericks Blyden MD, Natalie Brown Johnson, Neka Brown, Jemakai N. Blyden, Christina Courtois Blyden, Kayla Courtois Blyden, Bre’Dencia Courtois Blyden, Thaliyah Courtois Blyden, Makayla Blyden, Markell Blyden, Terrence Blyden, Jerome Blyden, Cralonda T. Hayes, Breanna Blyden, Derismeleah Diena Calixte, Emma Abigaelle Calixte, Gabrielle Abbott, Jalen Abbott; 11 great-grandchildren, Desmond Blyden-Simpson, TreJean Blyden-Heard, Nahla Blyden, Roman Tackie-Komme, Omar Johnson, Chryss G. St. Germain, Zaden Aubren Carder, Nanani Blue Johnson, Nalaya Loraine Johnson, Ava Rea Blyden, Richard Hayes Jr.; four sisters-in-law, Luna Frett, Gwendolyn Blyden, Elvina Blyden, Enid Pickering; three adopted daughters, Shirley Pickering Penn (niece), Stacy Rose, Raynette Cameron Richards; three adopted sons, Derrick “Adan” Freeman, Glen “BashMan” Lamotta, Keith “Blowout” Dawson; one special adopted son, Steve (Ikeman) Freeman; two nannies, Glance Newberry (live-in St. Thomas), Doreen Deloris Harrison (Connecticut); special dignitaries and friends, Senate President Milton Potter, Sens. Hubert Frederick, Ray Fonseca and former Sen. Adlah “Foncie” Donastorg, Chief Executive Officer Juan Luis Hospital Darlene (Carty) Baptiste; all other family, nieces, nephews abroad and the entire Old Tutu massive family circle. A home going memorial service will be held beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Faith Wesleyan Holiness Church, located north of Hometown Gas Station in Annas Retreat. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Faith Wesleyan Holiness Church in her honor. In honor of Mrs. Elma E. Blyden, shades of maroon clothing would be appreciated.
