Elaine Jeffers Hearn

Born on May 5, 1944, Elaine lived a life defined not by titles or recognition, but by the quiet, consistent way she showed up for the people she loved.

She was preceded in death by her son, Darrell Price; her parents, Joseph and Zora Jeffers; her brothers, Ronald Jeffers and Murray Jeffers; and her grandson, Bradley Studebaker.

She is survived by her daughters, Deidre Payne (Tom), Ronda Collins (Bruce), and Tisha Smith (James), along with their families; her sister, Patsy Jones, and her brother, Thomas Jeffers.

Elaine was a very proud and devoted grandmother to Bryan Studebaker (Kelly), Brandon Studebaker (Emily), Brent Studebaker (Meghan), Brooke Studebaker, Meagan Salonich, Joshua Collins (Kaitlan), Paige Connor (Lawton), Joseph Collins (Allie), Gavin Smith (Matthew), and Grayson Smith (Sarah Grace); and a loving great-grandmother to thirteen great-grandchildren.

To know Elaine was to know someone who gave freely of herself. She was selfless in a way that can’t be taught — always putting others before herself, always making time, and always showing up.

Elaine lived a life defined by strength, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly — including many years as a waitress at Lizard’s Thicket — always ensuring her daughters had everything they needed. She carried herself with grace, met every season of life with kindness and strength, and loved in a way that few ever could.

She had a deep love for the simple things in life. She loved the beach — the sound of the waves, the feeling of being near the water — and she rarely passed up a good cup of coffee. She enjoyed shopping for a good bargain, finding joy in the hunt just as much as the find. She loved to paint, to read, and to keep up with her favorite soap operas — small routines that brought her comfort and happiness.

But more than anything, she loved spending time with her family.

She never missed a moment that mattered. From ballgames to holidays to everyday visits, Elaine made it a priority to be present. Her grandchildren knew they could count on her — not just for the big events, but for the quiet, in-between moments that meant just as much.

She had a way of making people feel cared for without ever making a big show of it. It was in the phone calls, the check-ins, and the time she gave without hesitation.

That was who she was.

Her family will remember her for her warmth, her steadiness, and the way she made a house feel like home — often bringing a small gift, thoughtfully chosen and signed on the back, “Love, Mammaw Elaine,” each time she visited.

Though she will be deeply missed, her presence lives on in the way her family loves one another — in the way they show up, just as she always did.

A service to celebrate Elaine’s life will be held in the Chapel at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home in Lexington on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 1:00pm. A private interment will follow at the West Side Baptist Church cemetery.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Emergency Department, the Critical Care Unit, and the staff of 9th Oncology at Lexington Medical Center, as well as Medical Services of America (MSA), for the care, compassion, and dignity shown to Elaine and to their family during her final days. In a time filled with uncertainty and heartache, your kindness brought comfort, peace, and reassurance that she was never alone.

Though her absence will be deeply felt, the impact Elaine made on those around her will continue to be seen in the way her family loves one another, cares for others, and shows up in the moments that matter most. Her life was a quiet example of what it means to give fully, love deeply, and put others first — and that example will continue to guide those who knew her for many years to come.