Lorma Percival
Ms. Lorma Naressa Percival of Jersey City, NJ, entered heaven with Jesus on Monday, November 27, 2023. She was born in Tortola, British Virgin Islands on March 24, 1940, to Alfred Percival and Christalia Thomas.
Her childhood was not easy. Yet, she persevered and overcame adversity. Her strong spirit, fierce independence, wit, charm, and faith saw her through. She migrated to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. There, Lorma achieved her greatest calling of becoming a mother to her nine children, Charles Clifford, Jennifer Laverne, Herbie Dean (preceded in death), Joey-Dean, Vernell Lorraine, Claudette, Claude (preceded in death), Carla, and Carleen. She raised them with a matchless fierce and fiery love that is leaving a beautiful legacy for generations to come.
She later moved to St. John, US Virgin Islands and despite difficult trials and situations – of which many are unknown to most – she created a beautiful life blessed by God. There, she began her spiritual journey. Lorma was a spiritual warrior and woman of faith who set an example for anyone who knew her. Lorma was gifted with the ability to cook, sew, fish, and garden. She used her talents to clothe and feed her children, the Cruz Bay Baptist Church Congregation, many youths living at the Boys Home (The Ranch), and any person in need who came to her home. She gave freely to others and wanted those she cared about to have what they needed. God gave her the ability to spiritually discern situations and people; those close to her know that if she offered advice, it was a privilege to hear her insight and know that it was in their best interest to listen. She was funny and witty – a master of throwing “shade” that was both salty and sweet.
In 1985, Lorma took a chance and moved her family to Jersey City, NJ for a chance at a better life. Her discipline, focus on education, and hard work as a master seamstress and garment inspector, built the foundation for her children and grandchildren to thrive. Always extending her love to others, she cared for many of her grandchildren as her own. Her love, support, and clear example led to many of her children and grandchildren completing high school, college, and graduate school.
After her retirement, Lorma dedicated herself to the service and worship of God. Usually awake before sunrise, she had the habit of praising God before getting out of bed. If she wasn’t on the phone with her fellow prayer warriors, she would whisper praises to the Lord. This was her habit every morning. She liked to start each day with worship and honor to the Lord and often had tears by the time she finished, tears and a smile. Her love for God was genuine, and it flowed out of her in praise for Him and love for others. She continued her fellowship even in her last days and moments.
Lorma was a very devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She leaves behind her children, Charles Clifford Jones, Jennifer Laverne Williams, Joey-Dean Skelton (Daniel Ballin), Vernell Lorraine Percival-Stevens, Claudette Braxton (Robert), Carla Turner (Todd), and Carleen Johnson (Najja); grandchildren, JeffeLee McClain (Keith), Kethney Williams, Tameka Francis, Daniel Williams, I’Vanya Hobson, Jalayne Marie Jones, Shoquan Stevens, Janet Marie Braxton, David Alexander Johnson, Elijah Stevens, Jackee Lee Braxton, Michael Ballin-Skelton, and James Ballin-Skelton; great grandchildren, Ke’Lilah Williams, Ke’Moi Williams, Naressa Francis, Ke’ShoiWilliams, Jamari Abner, Ke’Shori Williams, Ke’Nai Williams, Ke’Leyah Williams, Amelie McClain, Carson Stevens, Ke’Thian Williams, Nyla Telifort, Harper Stevens, and Zavion Sandoval Ballin-Skelton; siblings, Izora Hodge, Dr.Erma Percival, and Dennis Percival; and step-siblings, Vernon Liburd, Kenrick Liburd, Earl Liburd, Dr. Darnelle Richardson, and Clifton Elliott. She also leaves behind her precious nieces, nephews, cousins, many extended family members, and special friends who have felt the impact of her life. She is preceded by parents Alfred Percival and Christalia Thomas, children, Claude Percival and Herbie Dean Skelton, and siblings, Harold Thomas, Julian Thomas, and Avis Percival Davis.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at McLaughlin Funeral Home, 625 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City, NJ on Friday, December 8, 2023 at 9 am for visitation followed by the funeral service which will be at 10 am. Interment will follow at Arlington Cemetery, Kearny.
Validated parking for funeral home is located at 2 Journal Square Plaza Parking (diagonally across from Stanley Theater in underground lot YOU ENTER TO THE RIGHT OF CONSTRUCTION WHERE THE ORANGE TRAFFIC CONES ARE) where Pavonia Avenue meets Kennedy Boulevard (2940 Kennedy Blvd.). Please remember to bring your ticket with you to the funeral home for validation.
Donations in her memory to the charities close to her heart,City of Hope and Boys Town, would be greatly appreciated. The direct links can be found below under memorial donations.