Elaine Marie (Straker) Isom

ELAINE (STRAKER) ISOM, 91, of Providence, Rhode Island passed away peacefully at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Saturday, August 4, 2018.

She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 3, 1926 to the late Joseph and Margaret Hazel Johnson (Carrington).

After the death of her father, Elaine moved with her mother to Newport, Rhode Island at the age of 10. She graduated from Rogers High School in 1944. After Elaine met and married her husband, Marcus G. Straker, she relocated with him to New York City. That union brought forth two children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She was also formerly married to the late Leroy Isom, Jr.

Elaine was a faithful and lifelong member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. She served on the Samuel Paige Usher Ministry, sang with the Chancellors’ Choir, attended Sunday School regularly, she assisted with the Wednesday community food ministry and was known as the EBC traveling bus monitor. She raised her family in the church and her daughter, Deaconess Diane, and granddaughter, Kelli, continue her legacy. 

Elaine also lived every minute of her life to the fullest. She traveled throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe. She loved meeting people and always left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. In her later years, she became a member of the St. Martin DePorres Senior Center.

She received her LPN degree from the Rhode Island State School of Nursing and continued her education by earning an Associate’s Degree from the Community College of Rhode Island (formerly known as Rhode Island Jr. College). She also attended the University of Rhode Island when she was in her 70s.

Elaine is survived by her son, Marcus D. Straker, Sr. (Linda) and daughter, Diane M. Straker; three grandchildren - Kelli M. Straker, Marcus D. Straker, Jr. (Jessica), and Jennifer L. Cochran (Chris); five great-grandchildren – Eric Straker, Jasmine Cochran, Juliana Straker, Layla Cochran, Ariana Straker and a host of relatives and friends. Her grandson David M. Straker is waiting to greet her in Heaven.

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