Elnora H. Vinson

On Friday, May 19, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family, God called the spirit of His beloved, Elnora H. Vinson (87 years of age), to be with Him throughout eternity. Elnora was born in Eastville, Virginia on November 27, 1935 to Mary Elizabeth Smith and Johnnie Cross.

After leaving Eastville as a young adult and moving to Portsmouth, VA, Elnora was later introduced to Elton Vinson and they married on May 18, 1959. They became the loving and proud parents of three children, Cynthia, Ronald, and Glenda. Elnora was employed with the Portsmouth Public School System as the Head Custodian for the D.A.C. Center and after 40 years of service retired on June 30, 1994.

Elnora was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She always stressed education to all with whom she made contact. During her employment with the D.A.C. Center, she demonstrated a love of children with a variety of disabilities. She openly welcomed and mentored many of these children, whether they were family-related or friends in the neighborhood.

Elnora loved cooking and learning new recipes. Her many assorted cookbooks and cookware sets were a testament to her love of preparing outstanding meals. Depending on when you visited, you would definitely be blessed by the food she prepared.

Elnora always wanted the people around her to be successful. She was known to be direct and strict, but it was part of her personality to stress a successful career path for the people she cared about. She was very proud whenever she heard of even the smallest accomplishments from her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her nieces and nephews.

Elnora was a faithful and supportive member of the New First Baptist Church (Taylorsville) family for over 35 years. She served with the former Nurse’s Unit and the former 5-W (We Will Work Won’t We) Club. She loved the preached word, hospitality and fellowship of New First Baptist.

Elnora had a wonderful relationship with God. She prayed daily. Her knowledge and wisdom were amazing and a comfort in a time of need. Calling her anytime, day or night. would result in a prayer session. At the end of each session, you would literally feel the burden lifted. Elnora knew exactly what to tell you to give you the comfort you needed.

Elnora was predeceased by her parents, Mary Elizabeth Smith and Johnnie Cross; two children, Cynthia Hardy and Ronald Lee Hardy and four siblings, Novella Cross, Elizabeth Joyner, Mary Odom and Linwood Cross.

Elnora leaves to cherish her memories, her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, Elton Vinson; one daughter, Glenda Branch (Barney); daughter-in- law, Debbie Hardy; four grandchildren, Jennifer Thomas-McDade (Reese), Ryan Hardy (Kristin), DeAnna Shoulders and Dr. Linwood T. Joyner, II; three great grandchildren, Kenly Jai Shoulders, McKenna Hardy, and Beau Briella Hardy; two sisters, Bertha Santiful (Jimmie) and Thomasine Vinson (Willie Lee); brother-in-law, Pastor Joe B. Vinson; her special friends, Joyce and Earl Peeples, Dr. Robin and Bishop Arthur Vinson, Estelle Newby, Maryland Spicely and Deaconess Linda and Deacon Ronald Reid and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Elnora’s earthly journey has ended, and she is at peace now. Elnora will be dearly missed but her legacy and the wisdom and guidance she shared will live on through her family.