Delena Elgin

A celebration of the life of Delena Yancey Elgin will be at 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at First Baptist Church. Officiating will be Dr. Jeff Raines. Delena passed away Thursday, June 1, 2017. Delena Elgin was born August 13, 1923 in Teague, Texas, to James and Gladys Yancey. At an early age, her family moved to Shreveport. She attended school in Shreveport and graduated from C. E. Byrd High School with many who remained life-long friends. She attended Centenary College of Louisiana where she met her future husband, Jack Elgin. They were married December 19, 1941. Delena's life revolved around her family, her friends, and her church. She and Jack loved entertaining and welcomed visitors into their home from near and far. The memory of her loving and gracious spirit will be remembered by all who knew her. First Baptist Church was the cornerstone of Jack and Delena's life together and they were involved in every area of church activity. Together they were very instrumental in the development of the Chinese Speaking Mission, teaching English to many internationals who became dear friends. Delena's love for her family and her devotion to her Lord and Saviour are the greatest legacies that she leaves behind. Her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren will treasure the memories of countless happy times and special occasions spent with her. Delena enjoyed playing bridge with dear friends. She was a member of the Potpourri Study Club and she enjoyed painting. She and Jack loved traveling and making new friends from places they visited. For many years, they enthusiastically welcomed visitors from foreign countries as a part of the American Host Program, and again, formed life-long friendships. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 57 years, Jackson Martin Elgin, and her sister Billie Yancey Truly and husband Fletcher Truly. She is survived by her children, Susan McCain and husband Harry, Jim Elgin and wife Mary Ann, and John Elgin. Also surviving Delena are her loving grandchildren, Jennifer and Murphy Anderson and their children Luke, Blake, and Grace; Susannah and Andrew Hodges and their children Kate and Elizabeth; Mary Beth and Kenny Burns and their daughter Madelyn; Alex and Cynthia Rice and their children Lila, Emma and Alex; Rebecca and Mike Elliot and their children Thomas and William; and Leigh and Carlton Schwab and their children Delphine and Jack. She is also survived by her nieces Ruth Elgin Nordyke and husband Danny and Jennie Truly Terral. The family would like to recognize and thank the caretakers who so faithfully cared for Delena these past months: Maxine Frazier, Nancy Jefferson, Betty Gerideau, English Watson, Chenita Brown, and Artavya Green. Family suggests memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 543 Ockley Dr., Shreveport, LA 71106, First Baptist Church School, 533 Ockley Dr., Shreveport, LA 71106, or the charity of the donor's choice.