Elsie Colvin Obituary

Colvin, Elsie On a very historic day in American politics, Tuesday, November 4, 2008, Elsie Colvin went on to meet her Lord. She was born on January 1, 1922 in Virginia, the 5th of 7 children, to Jackson and Inez Pierce. Elsie was always passionate about learning and serving others. She graduated from high school at the young age of 15; continued her education at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) where she received her Bachelor's Degree. From there, Elsie became a member of the Women's Army Corp. (WAC). After her stint in the Army, Elsie pursued and obtained a Master's Degree in Library Sciences (MLS) at Columbia University in New York. In 1953, Elsie married Wallace Colvin, and shortly thereafter had two daughters Helene and Nikki. Elsie worked as a librarian at the University of Chicago's Harper and Regenstein libraries until she retired in 1987. After retiring, she volunteered with illiteracy programs and organizations in Chicago, teaching adults to read. In 1995, Elsie moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Elsie loved to travel, and lived an interesting and good life filled with love and lots of smiles. She is preceded in death by her parents; 5 sisters Katherine, Clara, Edith, Inez and Mildred; ex-husband, Wallace; daughter Helene and niece Patricia. Survivors include her brother James, daughter Nikki, nieces Joan, Sharon, Joyce, Cynthia and Anita (Nina); nephews Anton and Steven; and several other generations of kin. Memorial services were held on Saturday, November 8, 2008, on a beautiful sunny day. Momma, you were and still are loved and missed by many. You will not be forgotten. Thanks for all your encouragement, kind words, support, generosity, and most of all, your love. We love you today, tomorrow and forever.