Elaine Waters Queen

Born in Shelby, NC to Fred and Annie Lee Waters, she was one of four siblings. Raised in the mill town of Cramerton, NC, she played on the Cramerton High School women’s basketball team. Upon graduating, she married the love of her life, Dan H. Queen, Sr. They first lived in Kings Mountain, NC then relocated to Gastonia, NC to raise their three children.

In 1973 Elaine and Dan opened Queen’s Shell (known to many as either Queen’s Texaco or Queen’s Crown) at 915 Providence Road in Myers Park. Through their hard work and determination, they built a successful business that served as a Myers Park Community staple for 47 years.

Aside from being a devoted wife, mother, and small-business owner, Elaine was also a devoted caregiver. Throughout her life, she tended to her mother, her father, and her brother until their deaths. Then, when Elaine’s husband suffered a debilitating stroke, she too cared for him for 19 years. A responsibility so consuming many discouraged her not to take it on, she remained unwaveringly adamant: “He’s my husband and I’m taking care of him.”

Elaine’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was the happiest in the presence of her children and grandchildren during the holiday season and on most Sundays. She was a pillar of strength, kindness, love and faith to all her family. Proverbs 31: 27-31 best describes Elaine: “she watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed...Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, Annie Lee and Fred; her sister, Rowena Hall; her two brothers, William Earl Waters (died as infant) and Robert Dennis Waters; and her husband, Dan H. Queen, Sr.

She is survived by her sister, Doris Jean Bumgardner; her children, Linda Diane Queen, Debra Jean McIver (Ken), Dan H. Queen, Jr. (Kathy); her grandchildren, Kimberly Elaine Phillips (named in honor of her grandmother), Matthew Jacob McIver, Sydney Tyler Queen, Dan H. Queen, III, and John Robert Queen; and nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Elaine will be held on Monday, April 26 from 6:00-8:00 pm at McEwen at Myers Park, 500 Providence Road. A private family service and interment will be held on Tuesday, April 27 at 11:00 am at Sharon Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Presbyterian Harris Hospice in honor of Elaine Waters Queen.