Eldra Douglas Jude

December 6th, 2024. Eldra was born to the late Dionesius Edwardo Newton and Mariel Cassandra

Sixto on March 7th, 1939, on the island of St. Thomas, USVI.

Eldra married her beloved Franklin Delano Douglas in 1959. They were blessed with a beautiful and

fruitful marriage for 53 years until they were separated by his death. The couple were blessed with

two beautiful daughters: Michelle Douglas Singletary and Leslie Renee Douglas.

Eldra was raised and spent her high-school years on the island of St. Thomas. While married to

Frank, she moved back and forth between St. Thomas and New York to further her education. Eldra

attended City College of New York, Executive Management Institute of New York and New York

University, where she achieved her goal of becoming a Public Relations Practitioner. In 1974, she

became a member of the Publicity Club of New York and The Public Relations Society of America.

Eldra was recognized for her accomplishments by being listed in 'Who's Who in Public Relations.'

During the course of her career, she achieved over 30 years of experience, travelling abroad to

different countries including Africa and Germany.

Eldra loved people and seemed to shine when she was around them. She also had a huge love for

music and dance. She organized, choreographed and participated in the Island's annual Carnival

with creative themes, such as 'My Fair Lady' and several others.

In the spring of 1976, the entire family came to know Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior, redeemer and

King. The family returned to St. Thomas in 1979 to pursue a higher calling from the Lord which led

Eldra to open a Christian Retreat known as Ocean Waves Retreat. In 1986, She also established her

own private practice, known as New Concepts in Communication, Inc. She specialized in sharing

the gifts of the Holy Spirit in ministry, administration, teaching, evangelism, counseling and

tourism-hospitality. Eldra was a gifted storyteller, always sharing the Gospel and her testimony

which touched the lives of people in St. Thomas, The United States and all over the world.

In the early 2000's, Eldra and her husband retired and moved to Spring Hill, Florida. Though retired,

she remained active and compiled her thoughts and spiritual journeys into a book entitled

"Especially for You". The book was written and published in 2009.

During her residence in Florida, she enjoyed and looked forward to seasonal visits from her

children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, in 2012, her husband of 53yrs (Frank), went home to be

with the Lord. She remained independent and kept busy with her daily activities that involved going

to church weekly, working part-time at Macy's, attending workshop activities at the Clearwater

Senior Center and spending time with close dear friends.

In 2014, Eldra married Reynold Alfonso Jude, also of Caribbean heritage. He lovingly referred to her

as his "sweetheart wife" and took pleasure in cooking her delicious Caribbean dishes. Despite

their age, they enjoyed a vibrant marriage until her passing.

Eldra was preceded by her parents, Edwardo and Mariel C. Newton, beloved husband Franklin

Delano Douglas, sisters: Ina A. (Newton) Coram, {husband Stanley}, Melonita (Newton) Strain

{husband Jon}, brother Noubert Edwardo Newton, niece Sibyl Strain and nephew Lawrence Newton

as well as several close friends and other family members.

Eldra is survived by her dearly loved husband, Reynold Alfonso Jude, affectionately known as

"Jude", daughters; Michelle (Paris), and Leslie (David), grandchildren; Shannon (Tavon), Neal

(Teeka), Nicholas, great-grandchildren; Marquell, Tavon Jr., Patience, Tristan, Jalisa, cousin/sister,

Lorraine Marteen Hill, (Elroy), Eugene Marteen, sister/lifelong friend Linda, lifelong friend Olive,

goddaughters; Sharon (Gerald), Cartion "Rose"(Nicholas) and host of close nieces, nephews and

friends.

Eldra's ashes will rest in peace at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 1000 Bay Pines Blvd, St.

Petersburg, FL.

A celebration of Life Memorial is planned for the coming year (2025).

The family wishes to acknowledge with sincere thanks and deep appreciation, the beautiful

expressions of love and sympathy shown during this time of bereavement. May God richly bless

each of you.

Special thanks to Empath Suncoast Hospice and Harbourwood Care Center for holding our hand

during this journey. Each step of the way, our mom received quality care, consideration and

compassion, for which we will always remain grateful.