Mrs. Elvira Stovall

The birth of Dora and Lee Holloway's first daughter and second born child occurred on, August 14, 1919. They named their bundle of joy, Elvira, but nicknamed her "Sister". Their oldest child was their son, Clarence, two years Elvira's senior. Elvira and Clarence had a beloved older half-sister on their mother's side named, Nellie Gutter. They also had several older half-siblings from their father's deceased first wife. Their treasured half siblings included O.D. Holloway, Marie Holloway, Monroe Holloway, Loney Holloway, and others. Elvira and Clarence also had eight younger siblings by their parents, Dora and Lee, including Leander, Alcus, Texie, Veralisa, Louise, Hilton, Preston, and Charles (C. V.) All obtained substantial adulthood but predeceased Elvira by several years including her half-siblings and Clarence. Elvira's loss of her parents and siblings was ameliorated by her faith in GOD and the loving support of her children and other family members and friends Elvira and siblings were raised in rural Mississippi and were well acquainted with the hardships of farm life and the Jim Crow system in the South. This notwithstanding Elvira was very active in church, attended high school and finished the 11th grade. She later earned her GED from MATC while living in Milwaukee with a husband, children and a full-time job. On January 11th, 1941, Elvira married Justus Stovall in Lincoln County Mississippi. The couple had eloped to the ire and consternation of Elvira's father, Lee, who swore to shoot the groom on sight. This negativism soon turned to love and respect as Lee observed Justus' devotion to Elvira. Justus and Elvira left Mississippi during World War II when he was drafted into the Army and they lived in several military camps. In 1949 their first child, Willie Earl, was born in Mississippi. This was followed with the birth of their fraternal twins, a boy and a girl, Dwight and Dale, in 1953 the birth of daughter, Fay, in 1954. All were born in Milwaukee where Elvira and Justus had moved in 1951. The home of Elvira and Justus was a launch pad for migrating relatives to Milwaukee seeking new opportunities and a place of refuge for those in trouble. It was also a gathering place for most family members during holidays and other festive occasions. Elvira and Justus' compassionate and beneficent ways made them the matriarch and patriarch in the minds of most family members. Elvira worked several Milwaukee jobs before joining Inland Steel Corporation where she retired after thirty years of employment as a welder and machine operator. Her difficult and manly job contrasted with her otherwise sensitive graceful and genteel persona but was yet indicative of her strong moral code and psycho/emotional toughness derived from her faith in GOD and HIS blessings upon those who trust HIM. Elvira was a devoted wife of 68 years to her late husband, Justus, who died July 1, 2010, and a loving mother and grandmother. She was a superb cook, consummate homemaker, adept flower gardener and always up on current events in the news. She and Justus founded a church ministry (God's Community Project Church) that still survives after nearly forty years of service. Elvira will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. The void will be especially grievous for her children, Willie (Barbara) Stovall, Dwight (June) Stovall, Dale Todorovich, and Fay Stovall. The pain will also resonate with her granddaughters, Kelli Diskerude, Jihan Todorovich, Reina Stovall, and great grandchildren, Bobbie Brown, Alyssa Triplett, Breanna Triplett, Tahaira Lewis, Angelo Cook, Jamie Cook, Keri Nicole Cook. Elvira also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews and other family members and friends to cherish her memory. Paramount, however, Elvira is only temporarily separated from other believers in Christ who will one day join her in PARADISE! Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of HIS saints. Psalms 116:15

Mrs. Elvira Stovall

August 14, 1919 - February 26, 2018