The INSPORTS family and the wider sporting fraternity are mourning the death of Clofyeld “Patsy” Thomas-Davis, who died this morning after a long battle with illness. She was 69.

Thomas-Davis collapsed on May 20, 2024 at the University of the West Indies during the INSPORTS Primary Schools All-Island Championship, where she was responsible for the housing of the athletes from all over the island.

She had two brain surgeries but never fully regained consciousness in her recovery process.

Thomas-Davis who also worked at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports and is considered a true servant of sports.

Miss Patsy, or Aunt Patsy as she was affectionately called, served sports for over 30 years in various capacities from administrator, liaison officer, to athlete manager with several, if not all, sporting associations, including Special Olympics.

Former national netball and basketball player and head coach, Oberon Pitterson-Nattie, remembered Thomas-Davis as a stalwart of sports.

“Patsy was like a mother to us on tour. She always ensures her girls are well taken care of so that we can do damage on the court,” said Pitterson-Nattie.

“I can hardly find a team picture with her because she is always somewhere making sure things are in place. Trust me, whether on tour or at home, she makes it happen,” she noted.

Football icon Andrew Price said, “She was a real servant of sports in Jamaica. A real patriot. Condolences to her family”.

Her coworker and fellow Sports Officer at INSPORTS, Andrea Hanson, remembered her well.

“Patsy is always a lively and jovial person, always on the go. One thing I’ll remember we share close birthdays; she’s April 6 and I am April 7,” said Hanson.

In 2015, Thomas-Davis was formally recognised by the RJR Sports Foundation with a Certificate of Merit during the RJR Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards.

Her recognition by the RJR Sports Foundation is yet another testament to her commitment and the important role played by the Institute of Sports in the wider scheme of sports development in the country.