Shirley A. Elkins

Shirley Ann Elkins, 85, recently of Cleveland, TN, and formerly of Waynesburg, Pa., transitioned peacefully from this life to her eternal home with Jesus and her husband, Bob, on March 5, 2023. She was born and adopted December 10, 1937 in Ethel, West Virginia to Clyde Jake Vance and Elizabeth Marie Vance Filo. She married Robert H. Elkins on June 14, 1956.

She was a faithful member of South Cleveland Church of God for the past two years, North Cleveland Church of God for six years, and was formerly a member of Green Valley Church of God, Clarksville, PA, for many years. She taught Sunday School for more than 60 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert H. Elkins, and her sister, Patty McElroy.

She is survived by one sister, Betsy Crawford of Pennsylvania, and one brother, James Shriver (Susan) of Leesburg, FL.; her children: Ruth Swiger (Steven) of Cleveland, TN, Dorthy Porter (Richard) of Peru, KS, Mary Ann Poplin (Dale) of Cleveland, TN, Buddy Elkins (Carrie) of Waynesburg, PA., Troy Elkins (Marie) of Cleveland, TN, Eva Cain (David) of Cleveland, TN, Adam Elkins (Zea) of Irwin PA; grandchildren: Jennifer Wood, Christie Warren, David Adams, Guy Lemmon, Carrie Scannapieco, Jamie Lemmon, Marisa West, Jessa Stover, JoAnna Mah, Amanda Putran, Tiffany Lesnick, Joshua Crawford, Ian Elkins, Nathan Hoppel, Ethan Hoppel, Lillith Elkins, Morgan Elkins; nineteen great-grandchildren, and over 100 foster children.

She was a loving mother with a generous heart, inspired by her devout Christian faith. She bravely went to college in her forties to become a teacher and social worker. Her home was open to everyone for many years, particularly young people, for a weekly dinner and social time. She will be remembered and missed by many as she kept in close contact with many family and friends.

The memorial service will be conducted at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 12, 2023, at South Cleveland Church of God with the Bishop Edwin Lipsey officiating.

The Family requests donations be made to The Royal Family, South Cleveland Church of God, in lieu of flowers. This is an organization that ministers to children in foster care.

A brief service will be held at the Highland Memory Gardens in Chapmanville, WV, June 17, 2023, where her ashes will be buried beside her husband of 59 years. Her son, Buddy Elkins, will officiate this service.

Please share your thoughts and memories at: www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-Valley View Chapel has charge of the arrangements.