Mary Childs Eley

Quietly slipped away

Mary Jean Childs Eley born August 1, 1932, touched the hand of master before dawn onSaturday, July 14, 2018 and quietly slipped away. The Life Mary was the eldest of four children born to the late Allen Childs and Helen Buford-Littlejohn in Charleston, West Virginia. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Simpson Methodist Church in Charleston, West Virginia.Mary graduated from Garnet High school in 1949 and was active in the year book committee.Mary graduated from West Virginia State University in 1954 with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education which lead to lengthy career in education and her first appointment was in Columbia, South Carolina City school from 1954-1956. Her Life-long Partner While in Columbia, South Carolina, she met and married her life-long partner, Letcher Columbus Eley. Shortly after marriage, the couple moved to Heilbronn, Germany where children Julia and Letcher II were born. After returning to the United States with her family she lived and worked in Norfolk, Virginia before moving to Cleveland, Ohio. While in Cleveland she joined East View United Church of Christ where she was an active member until retirement. While in Cleveland she taught at Case Elementary and Miles Standish Elementary school, completed her Master's degree, became a mentor to younger teacher's, worked tirelessly at East View United Church of Christ, joined many organizations and touched multiple lives as a positive role model. She raised her family and became a Mother to those in need. In 1991, she and "Eley" moved back to "the home place" to enjoy the wholesomeness of relaxation, the laughter of family, the spontaneity of special events and the reflection of a beautiful life. Together they joined Chapel Grove United Church of Christ where she served as a trustee, in the Christian Education Ministry and in the Single's Ministry while staying active in many church events. She saw a need in the local school system and returned to work as a teacher and mentor to many from 1992-2000 at Carrsville's Elementary School. Mary was also active in her AKA sorority, AARP, Lions Club of Windsor, the Pilot's Club of the Isle of Wight County and as a West Virginia State University Alumni. Her hobbies also included the bridge club, cooking and staying current with family and friends. The Family Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Letcher C. Eley and three sisters; Hazel Beatrice Callahan, Ruth Allein Franklin and Gladys Elizabeth Wells. She leaves a daughter; Julia H. Gillis(Kevin Gillis) of Upper Marlboro, MD., a son; Letcher C. Eley II, Esq. of Rockville, MD., grandchildren; Alysa Julia Gillis Clay (Justin Clay) of Upper Marlboro MD. and Christen Kevin Gillis of San Jose, CA., a special nephew; Rev. Roy A Stokes of Windsor, VA., a special niece; Beverly Brewer of Cleveland, OH. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends to cherish her life. A Celebration Of Life Service will be held 11am Friday, July 20, 2018 at Chapel Grove United Church of Christ Windsor, Va. Viewing will be held Thursday, July 19, 2018 from 4-7pm at the chapel. Interment will be in the Chapel Grove United Church of Christ cemetery. Professional services are entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.

Burial Date July 20, 2018

A Celebration Of Life Service will be held 11am Friday, July 20, 2018 at Chapel Grove United Church of Christ Windsor, Va. Viewing will be held Thursday, July 19, 2018 from 4-7pm at the chapel. Interment will be in the Chapel Grove United Church of Christ cemetery. Professional services are entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.