Elah Mae Griffin Ellison Lester

Elah Mae Griffin Ellison Lester November 26, 1918 – July 25, 2007 Elah Mae Griffin Ellison Lester, 88, received her promised inheritance and went to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, July 25, 2007. She lived a full life, and now she's fully alive in His Presence. Services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 30 at Western Heights Baptist Church with interment at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, July 29 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Elah began her earthly life in Penelope, Texas, on November 26, 1918, one of six siblings born to Richard and Brittie Blair Griffin. Her caring demeanor and heart for service to others led her into the field of nursing, graduating in 1941 from Robert B. Green School of Nursing in San Antonio. During a career spanning nearly 4 decades, she was office nurse for Dr. Long in Valley Mills, and did private duty and charge nursing at both Hillcrest and Providence Hospitals. She continued to serve as a Providence volunteer even after her retirement. Elah married Leslie Ellison in 1941, a union that lasted until his death in 1971, living most of their married lives in Valley Mills. In 1980, she married Claude Lester who also preceded her in death in 2003. Elah was an active member of Western Heights Baptist Church for 28 years and served countless hours directing the church kitchen ministry. They also shared a business interest in beekeeping. Elah was well known as the Queen Bee in the Heart of Texas Beekeepers Association. ”Caring and giving” are words that have described Elah's life and character--like a Southern Lady, sitting on her front porch--with make-up on, hair fixed, impeccably dressed, and ever-ready to offer her opinion. Though she never had any children of her own, she always considered her nieces, nephews, and step-children as her kids. She is survived by one brother, Henry Griffin of Waco; nieces Se Layna Griffin Graves and husband, Bill; Sherri Wells and husband, Kenneth of Waco; Nancy Thomas of Whitney; and Penny Griffin Dyer and husband, Mike of Dallas; one nephew, Joe Griffin and wife, Karen of Waco; step-son, Bud Lester and wife, Kelly of Taylor; and step-daughter, Sandy Turner and husband, Clive of Sydney, Australia; three step-grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren; many grand-nieces and nephews, as well as all her dear friends. Pallbears will be; David Graves, Wendell Cook, Adam Cook, Jeff Lester, Evan Dyer, Joe Griffin. Honorary Pallbears Friendship Sunday School Class The family wishes to thank Bettie Johnson, Elah’s precious friend and neighbor; and caregivers, Margaret Tow, the staff at Jeffery Place, Hillcrest Hospice, and Providence Health Center for all their loving support. Memorials to honor Elah's life may be made to Gideon’s International located at 1116 S. Connally Dr, Waco, Texas or Western Heights Baptist Church. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey