Saturday, February 18, 2023

Virginia Elaine Edmonds Young


 Virginia Elaine Edmonds Young, age 73, loving wife of Anthony “Andy” Young, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ February 13, 2023 after a two year epic fight with cancer.

Elaine was born September 23, 1949 in Asheville, North Carolina to the late Reverend Oscar S. Edmonds, Jr. and Ellen Landreth Edmonds. She earned her high school diploma from T.L. Hanna High School in Anderson, South Carolina. After high school, Elaine attended the Institute for Christian Service at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. After BJU, she graduated from the Anderson School of Practical Nursing, Anderson Memorial Hospital in Anderson, South Carolina.

She met Andy while living in Anderson and they were married on August 18, 1973 in Travelers Rest, South Carolina at Bethany Baptist Church where her father pastored.

Elaine accepted Jesus as her personal Savior as a young girl during a revival meeting under the preaching of evangelist Bill Piper at Rocky River Baptist Church, Iva, South Carolina where her father was pastor.

She and Andy lived in South Carolina, Tennessee, and eventually settled in Florida in 1985. Prior to moving to Florida she worked as a lead reviewer/auditor with the Peer Review Organization (PRO) with the South Carolina Medical Foundation. After moving to Florida, she was employed with the Florida PRO in the Orlando region. She began her career at Orlando Health/Health Central Hospital in 1988 as the UR Coordinator/Nurse Case Manager and retired from Orlando Health/Health Central in 2018 after 30 years of service.

Over the years, Elaine served in her local church teaching children in Sunday School and Children’s church and volunteering at the Center for Pregnancy of First Baptist Orlando.  She loved teaching the Bible and telling Bible stories with great enthusiasm. Serving at First Baptist Orlando since 1990, she and Andy volunteered in 2018 to move to the new campus at Horizon West to teach in the KIDS ministry. At her retirement in 2018 she also volunteered at the Mike Conley Hospice House of Cornerstone Hospice Foundation in Clermont, Florida.   She was also active up until the last month of her illness with the Pillow Project ministry (www.pillowministry.org) to the homeless in Orlando. She stuffed pillows for the ministry when she was not physically able to go to the streets and distribute sandwiches, hygiene kits, pillows, and Bibles.

Elaine is survived by her husband of 50 years, Andy Young and one son, Nathan (Carrie) Young of Orlando, Florida. She has one precious granddaughter, Ella Celeste. One brother, Ret. Col. George (Charlene) Edmonds of Salem, Ohio. Also, a nephew Robert Jason (Elizabeth) Parris of Milton, Vermont, and nieces Katie Elaine (Michael) Catlow of Gaffney, South Carolina, and Julie (Chris) Colquitt of Peachtree Corners, Georgia. A brother-in-law, Sam Parris of Gaffney, South Carolina. She was pre-deceased by her sister Deborah Annabelle Parris of Gaffney, South Carolina.

Pallbearers for Elaine are men from the Peters E-Life Group and the Souldiers for Christ Life Group.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Horizon West Church KIDS Ministry, 3000 John Young Parkway, Orlando, Florida, 32805 or The Center for Pregnancy of First Baptist Orlando, 3000 John Young Parkway, Orlando Florida, 32805 or www.pillowministry.org.

The family will greet friends on Wednesday, February 22nd, from 10 until 11 am at the Marie Williams Chapel located on the campus of First Baptist Church of Orlando, 3000 John Young Parkway, Orlando Florida 32805. The Celebration of Elaine Young’s life will be at 11 am in the Chapel, followed by a reception in Faith Hall 3rd Floor.

The burial will be at 2:30 pm at Oak Hill Cemetery, 901 East Avenue, Clermont, FL 34711.

Arrangements entrusted to Dobbs Funeral Home, Orlando, Florida.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Elaine had a heart for people, especially for child. I was blessed to know her and enjoy her sweet spirit and kind words as part of our Home Group.

Nancy & Steve Cone said...

Our dear friend, Elaine Young reminds us of the Bible verse found in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,”and there is laid up for her a crown of righteousness. Miss you and love you!

Anonymous said...

Elaine was a kind, loving person dedicated to her family and her church. I will always remember the beautiful tribute Elaine wrote about my husband when he passed away, I keep the letter tucked away and will pass it along to my daughters. I am so blessed to have know her and she will always hold a very special place in my heart. Love you sweet friend.

Didi said...

Mrs. Elaine had the most beautiful soul. She was so loving, sweet and made you feel like you were part of her family. A very intelligent lady. She will be missed. Rest In Peace Mrs. Elaine.

Anonymous said...

I feel privileged to have known her. Rest In Peace my friend.

Curtis and Donna said...

Elaine was certainly one of God’s Angels on earth,a sweet and kind lady,we were truly blessed for Her friendship and to serve our Lord and Savior with Her

Anonymous said...

Elaine has had such a profound impact on my life over the past 35 or so years. From childhood to HCH and even recently. She’s been the one who heals others. It’s her who folks go to for comfort. She was a truth teller. And, proudly wise. I’m honored to have known her and I’m sad that she’s gone. I know she’s walking streets of gold. But it hurts.

Charles & Caren Bell said...

We have had the joy of knowing Elaine & Andy since they came into our Bible Study class in the mid 90’s. I don’t believe I ever heard a negative thing out of Elaine’s mouth. If it wasn’t funny it was uplifting. She was a delightful friend full of wisdom & positivity.We know where she is & we will be joining her when God calls us home. We will be praying for you Andy. We loved her & love you too.