Eloise (Thomas) Powers

Eloise Christine Powers (nee Thomas), was born to the late, Adelbert Francis Thomas, and Elizabeth Louise Thomas (Betty) in Providence, Rhode Island on November 11, 1929. Eloise was a beautiful child born into a family with 8 siblings; Elizabeth Thomas, Joshua Thomas, Allen Thomas, Raymond Thomas, Andrew Thomas, Norman Thomas, Ronald Thomas and Eleanor Thomas. 

Eloise studied fashion illustration at an early age.  She graduated from High School in Brooklyn, NY.  Eloise, a gifted visual artist, was awarded a scholarship to attend the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). She loved to sing and was quite a singer and was placed in the church choir by Evangelist H.B. Watkins. Eloise married Alton Powers in 1945, and had five children: Yvonne, Beryl (Maya) and Alton (Ben), Arnold (Pete) and Sherri Lynn. She traveled extensively throughout Europe to Italy, France and Spain; and often spoke of her visits to see the wonderful art and sculptures of the Masters.  While living in Cherry Hill NJ, she regularly attended First Tabernacle Beth El, Philadelphia, PA, under Rabbi Jehu August Crowdy Sr.; he affectionately gave her the nick name, “Lucky”.

In her later years she returned to RI and was an active member of First Tabernacle Beth El, Providence, RI, serving as a gifted singer in the choir and as a Trustee. Known as “Weezie” to her friends, and “Mommy” to her children, she lived her life as a fearless, self-ruled, revolutionary spirit.  An avid reader of historical works, biographies and contemporary novels, Eloise, was known for reading two books in a day. She loved watching movies, and her absolute favorite book and movie was ‘The Godfather’. We relished the time spent watching movies with her and hearing her recite favorite lines and scenes with accuracy. Eloise was a member of the Fisherman’s Club; the RI American Legion and she spent her senior years at the St. Martin De Porres Center.

Eloise Christine Powers, could cook, sing, draw, and tell jokes like nobody’s business.  Throughout her life, she was the raconteur (storyteller) providing great entertainment for family, church members and her friends at the St. Martin De Porres Center.  She was well loved for her wit, her insight and her flair (you should have seen her closet). 

Eloise was preceded in death by her sons Alton (Ben) Powers and Arnold ((Pete) Salzman and daughter, Sherri Lynn Powers. 

She is survived by her sister, Eleanor Thomas and brothers, Norman Thomas, and Ronald Thomas; two daughters, Yvonne Brown and Maya Breuer; eight grandchildren; five great grandsons; three great granddaughters; four nieces; three nephews; three grand-nieces and a host of relatives and friends.

Services will be held Thursday, July 18, 2019, at First Tabernacle Beth El, 105 Dodge Street, Providence, RI 02907. Viewing 4-6 pm; Service 6:15 pm. 

Repast will follow. Burial at Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, RI , will be private.  Donations, in her honor, may be sent to: First Tabernacle Beth El ‘Building Fund’, 105 Dodge Street,  Providence, RI 02907.Please make checks payable to: Church of God and Saints of Christ and write ‘Building Fund’ in the note section.

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