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Due to Covid 19 concerns, the family chose to have a private time of remembrance and reflection followed by a graveside service, all done by family members.
Mrs. McElhiney was soon to be 99 years young and was blessed to be active both physically and mentally until her recent illness, always eager to learn or experience something new.
Computer lessons at the age of 80 allowed her to pursue her longtime interest in genealogy and later to keep up with family and friends on Facebook. At 45 she earned an LP N Degree after working for HIS and Red Cap factories.
Our "Granny" was skilled in several forms of needlework leaving all the family with quilts and dozens of afghan s. Last year she learned to tie dye and wore her creation at the Adams Place fashion show. She was a wonderful "country cook". A family favorite was her chicken and dumplings.In 1987 Bernie Arnold and THE NASHVILLE TENNESSEAN featured her with her "from scratch" coconut cake. At one time she was lovingly called "Puddin" Granny because of her banana pudding, and recently, she was so pleased to learn her 10-year-old great granddaughter was learning to bake and decorate cakes.
In 2006 she contributed to the DICKSON COUNTY HERITAGE BOOK writing the story of her Sizemore pioneer family roots and was an authority on the McElhiney Armstrong County, PA ancestors. She corresponded with several people from across the country for many years, and sadly, was the last survivor of the group.
Mrs. McElhiney was a longtime member of the Walnut Street Church of Christ and counted as dearest friends many of the members.
Mrs. McElhiney married Ray Leon McElhiney on Feb. 28, 1944 and they had one week together before he was sent overseas to Burma where he was a member of Merrill's Mauraders earning both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals.
They were the parents of Betty McElhiney Elson (Dr. Mel) and Lois McElhiney Sloan (Bob). Grandchildren are Angie Elson Fuller, Nashville, TN, Susan Elson Dean(Patrick), Monteagle, TN., Matthew Scott Sloan(Jennifer) Gallatin, TN, Misty Sloan Welsch (Matt) Nolensville, TN., Great- Grandchildren, Samuel Fuller, Sacramento, CA, Ben Fuller, Superior, CO, Emily Welsch and Meghan Welsch, Nolensville, TN, Samatha and Matthew Sloan, Gallatin. TN.
Mrs. McElhiney was preceeded in death by her parents, Emmit and Nora Mae Sizemore Kennerly, brother, Robert (Charlie) Kennerly and an infant brother and sister.
She is also survived by a younger sister, Gladys Kennerly Gill, McEwen, TN.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Adams Place Assisted Living Facility for their devotion to Mrs. McElhiney during the past 4 years and Alive Hospice for the tender care during her last illness.
