Mary Elmore

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Mary Elmore, 91, of White Plains, New York, who transitioned on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in New Rochelle, NY.  Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions and guidelines when visiting the family and funeral home. Masks are NOT required but encouraged. 

                                                                                  Obituary

On Saturday, April 2, 1932, in Eutawville, South Carolina, Freddie and Nellie (Green) Murray welcomed their eighth child, a baby girl they named Mary. The youngest of the children, Mary was raised and nurtured in a loving home with her seven siblings, Isaac, Clarence, Freddie Jr., Nellie, Asalee, Lizzie, and Joseph. However, Mary's life became challenging when her sweet mother passed away before her teenage years. Her older siblings gradually left to pursue their adult life leaving her to assist with taking care of the home while matriculating through the Orangeburg County school system.

Her father was called by the almighty to become a pastor. He, Reverend Freddie Murray, became an Assistant Pastor at Saint James Baptist Church in Eutawville where Mary was baptized and served as an active member. Ultimately, given extremely limited employment opportunities, most of her friends and neighbors had left the South. In 1954, Mary decided to relocate to New York to accept a job as a live-in nanny that her friend had secured for her. This was perfect for her because she did not have to worry about accommodations as a young woman while acclimating to her new city life.

On September 18, 1958, Mary and Melvin Elmore were joined together in holy matrimony. They enjoyed forty-seven years of marriage until his passing on September 16, 2005. They enjoyed traveling together and successfully established a productive and stable household. Mary explored other employment opportunities and retired from home health care in 2005 after working since she was a "child", for more than sixty years.

Mary never lost her faith. She joined Calvery Baptist Church in White Plains shortly after she moved to Westchester County in 1954, under the Paastorship of the late Reverend Young. She was a member of the Daughters of Calvary for several years where she served as secretary for a few years. Mary completed a few certificated Bible Study courses under the tutelage of the late Pastor Eloise Young. She continued to be an active member of Calvary Baptist Church for more than sixty-four years until her health declined.

Indeed, we give thanks for Mary's longevity at ninety-one years, ten, months, and twenty-five days. She enjoyed traveling throughout the United States as well as experiencing the cultures of the Caribbean nations and numerous countries. She was most proud of her pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the Holy Land for which she received an official Attestation Pilgrimage Certificate. Mary's hobbies also included collecting statues of elephants, last count was easily two hundred elephants that she showcased throughout her home. Similarly, her collection included all types of crystals and coins. Known for her German Chocolate cake in her circle of friends, she enjoyed gifting her friends with her labor of culinary love. Mary loved her family and was very proud of their accomplishments: She was known for her strong "bear hugs" to show her affection.

Mary's pride and joy was her daughter, Mary E. who she called Betty Ann. She knew the value of an education, so she worked and diligently saved to ensure her daughter's education and supported all of her endeavors beyond measure.

Mary entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 6:40 AM at Dumont Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care in New Rochelle, New York, just one month and three days shy of her ninety-second birthday. Special Thanks to the 4th-floor staff at Dumont for the extra special care they provided to ensure her comfort. in addition to her parents, spouse, and siblings, Mary was predeceased by her cherished nephews, Daniel Greene and Isaac Murray, her doting niece Martha Bailey, and her beloved and " only first cousin" Janie Brown as well as other cherished relatives.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory and legacy, her devoted and loving daughter, Mary Elizabeth ('Betty Ann') Murray. She is also survived by her loving nieces Hannah Jenkins of Brooklyn, NY, and  Alice Mae Davis of New York City, Josephine Robinson, Annie Brantley, Margaret Wood, Carolyn Murray, Dorothy Murray, and Rebecca Brown, nephews Rev. Franklin (Essie) Murray of Massachusetts, Rev. Abraham Murray (Vernell) of South Carolina, sister-in-law, Leila Green of Georgia, Ruby Elmore of White Plains, NY, dearest cousin Lizzie Mae Smith of Mount Vernon, NY, and a host of treasured grand nieces, grand nephews, extended family, relatives and friends. Gone from our sight but never from our hearts. We love you and will forever cherish the time we had with you. Rest well. To God Be the Glory..   

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