Mrs. Elsie O. Whitmire's Obituary
Elsie O. Whitmire transitioned into eternity on July 24th. Known to many as “Queen Elsie,” “Ms. Elsie,” or “Mama El,” she was quick to make friends and did her best to bring a smile to everyone in her vicinity. Mama El was fond of singing, flowers, angels, and anything – or everything – having to do with Christmas.
She was a native Houstonian and an excellent student in the Yates High School class of 1964. At Prairie View A&M University, Elsie became the college girlfriend of Rogers O. Whitmire, whom she married in 1967. She was instrumental in helping Rogers through medical school at Michigan State University, where Elsie also worked in the college’s administrative offices and the local HUD office. Upon returning to Houston, Elsie worked at Southwestern Bell/ATT before retiring early to focus on raising her children, helping to manage the family’s investments, and supporting her husband’s successful career as an obstetrician-gynecologist. The family’s medical legacy continues across generations through Elsie’s daughter (a pediatrician), her oldest granddaughter (an obstetrician-gynecologist), and her second granddaughter (currently in medical school). Elsie always viewed her connection with the medical community as a vital aspect of her life. Particularly meaningful to her was becoming the first African-American president of the Harris County Medical Society Alliance, which has been open to the spouses of every physician in Harris County, Texas for over 100 years, and provides scholarships on an annual basis.
A devout Christian, Mama El was a courageous breast cancer survivor before her death from other natural causes. She was an active member of multiple prayer groups and community-service organizations in Pearland and the greater Houston area, including a local chapter of the National Women of Achievement and the Women’s Ministry of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Her positive outlook on life is reflected by the simple words of 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NIV) – “Do everything in love.”
Elsie Whitmire is survived by her sister Sylvia Henrietta Fitch; son Attorney Michael Whitmire; daughter Dr. Judith Enders (Kevin); grandchildren Dr. Savannah Kimball (Wayne), Sascha Enders, and Solomon Enders; brother-in-law Dr. Gerald Whitmire (Carolyn); sister-in-law Carolyn Marshall (James); plus many other loving nieces, nephew, cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws. Her late husband, Dr. R.O. Whitmire, passed away in May of 2015. She is also predeceased by her brothers James Marshall and Jeff Marshall; sister Hattie Marshall; mother Rolena Marshall; and father James Marshall, Sr.
Our celebration of Queen Elsie’s life will be held Friday August 4th at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Avenue, Houston, TX 77004. Visitation lasts from 10:00am to 10:50am. The official service starts promptly at 11:00am. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear the bright colors for which Queen Elsie was known, including anything yellow, pink, red, or whatever would make you stand out from the crowd…as she did!
In lieu of extra flowers, the family recommends donating in honor of Elsie Whitmire to a scholarship fund for the National Women of Achievement (donation webpage is https://MCHMNWOA.org/donate) and/or the Harris County Medical Society Alliance (contact via [email protected]).
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