Elsie Mae Taylor was born on May 21, 1932. She was the sixth child born to Anna and Walter Taylor. Although born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania she spent most of her formative years split between Baltimore, Maryland and Darlington, South Carolina. She met and married Robert Witherspoon in Brooklyn, New York where they began their lives together. Elsie was a nurturing mother and homemaker for many years until her last child started junior high school. She attended the Jesus is Lord Fellowship church for over 27 years. As a member, she taught Sunday school, read the church bulletin for Sunday services and was the chairperson for the church beautification committee. During her last year of service she volunteered to help clean church. Elsie work for the Bay Shore School District as a para professional for an astonishing 39 years. She started at the Mary G. Clarkson School in 1972 and spending a few years at the Middle school. While at the Bay Shore Senior High School she attended many conferences targeted for the improvement and development of the students. Elsie was most noted for conducting conflict resolution and crisis intervention for the students assigned to time out room. Coworkers often commended her for her calm demeanor and dignified way she approached countless interventions to resolve amicably. For 27 years Elsie spearheaded the Thanksgiving food drive that fed over 50 families. She also served meals to those on Thanksgiving Friday that would not have a holiday meal otherwise. She was an avid reader and enjoyed stimulating conversation. Listening to jazz and jazz vocalists with friends was a favorite pastime pleasure for our mother. Elsie was a pillar in her community and a treasured asset in her workplace; and was loved and respected by many.

Elsie suffered with long standing medical issues that became worse over time. Triggering events which spanned for over five month eventually caused her demise and ended her long suffering. Elsie is survived by her children: Lindell Derrick, Robert Lee Witherspoon Jr. and his wife Lirona, Barbara Witherspoon, Brenda Reid, Russell Witherspoon, Ronette Witherspoon Jacobs and her husband Kevin Bryan Jacobs, Kim Witherspoon, Novis Naylor and her husband Michael, Dina Holley, Lisa Quarels and her husband Brent, and Parrish Witherspoon his wife Nikki. She is also survived by her two sisters Rose Morin and her husband Jack and Anna Brown. Additionally, she is also survived by brothers in law Galveston Witherspoon, Leland Witherspoon his wife Gertrude and a sister in law Betty Taylor. Elsie is also survived by a host of caring grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends. Elsie is preceded by her parents, children Robin Witherspoon, Donelle and Jewel Witherspoon. Her siblings include, Robert Lee Taylor, William Edward Taylor, Walter Taylor, Thomas Taylor and a Sister Claudia Taylor. Mommy you are loved by all very much and we will miss you.