Elsie Mae Edlow, 97, a lifelong resident of Newport News, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, at the James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by her two daughters.
Born on February 29, 1928, to Eudora and Edward Edlow, Elsie was the tenth of eleven children. She grew up in Newport News, VA and was a proud graduate and salutatorian of her senior class at Morrison High School. Elsie joined Colossian Baptist Church at an early age, and remained a lifetime member until her passing. She proudly served as the Superintendent of Sunday School at the church during the 80’s.
Elsie is survived by her daughters, Dr. LaVerne Gray Kimball of Brookeville, MD and Ms. Lauretta Gray Goodman of Hampton, VA; grandchildren, Ms. Nicole Kimball, Mr. James Goodman III (Ziadanne), and Ms. Tiffany Kimball; great-grandchildren, Caleb Kimball and Zari Goodman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.
A viewing will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Whiting’s Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held at noon on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Colossian Baptist Church.
Elsie lived nearly a century with courage, kindness, and conviction. She now rests in eternal peace, her legacy living on in all who knew and loved her.
