Elaine McGinnis

Elaine Katherine McGinnis entered into eternal rest on August 12, 2021. Elaine was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on February 2, 1937 to the late Harry Morris and Lillian Greenberg Morris. She is preceded in death by her husband, John Robert McGinnis Jr. and her brother Jerome Morris. Elaine was a first generation Jewish American whose family bravely fled the anti-Semitic pogroms of Russia at the turn of the last century, ultimately settling in Pittsburgh. She grew up in the dismal shadow of the Great Depression and World War II. Despite a childhood of tremendous challenges, she persevered and graduated from Schenley High School in 1954. After graduation, she moved to New York City where she worked for the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. In 1957, she relocated to Washington, D.C. where she met her future husband.

On November 23, 1958, Elaine and John united in marriage at Tabor Presbyterian Church. They were an interracial couple at a time when such marriages were prohibited and punishable by law in more than half of the United States. Their unshakeable love and courage overcame the scorn and discrimination they experienced. In the 1960’s, they adopted two loving children fulfilling their vision of a family. Elaine leaves behind her children, Hirschel D. McGinnis and Leslie Moore; sons-in-law, David O’Dowd and Duane Moore; eight grandchildren, Tyler McGinnis (David Martin), Paige Moore, Jade Moore, Dakota Moore, Salome Moore, Hadassah Moore, Zipporah Moore, and Duane Moore Jr.; one great-grandchild, Marco Martin; nieces, Lorraine Morris, Debi Bickel and Barbara Sears; nephews, Bruce Morris and Kirk McGinnis; cousin Yvette Madison; godson, William Llyod Garrison Watts, III; lifelong friend Marianne Watts; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Elaine was a bold outspoken woman who refused to be defined by societal norms. She vigorously supported women’s and civil rights. Deeply patriotic she believed in the promise of The American Dream. She resolved to be informed concerning social justice and equality issues. She considered voting a sacred civic responsibility. She dedicated her career to workplace equity, working as an Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist for the Federal Government at the National Institutes of Health and later at the Federal Insurance Deposit Corporation. As well, Elaine proudly resided in Prince George’s County, Maryland for 50 years where she was actively involved in her community. She volunteered for the League of Women Voters, on political campaigns, her neighborhood civic association, and engaged her elected representatives. She was a strong determined woman, wife, mother, and friend. Her life exemplified the Godly principle found in Micah 6:8 to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

The family appreciates the love and support extended to us. A graveside service will be held at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, Maryland 20722 on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at 10 am.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please, consider donating to:

The District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency

Partners for Kids in Care

200 I Street, S.E.

Washington, D.C. 20003