Naomi Stewart Elzea

Naomi Stewart Elzea, 84, of Springfield, died at 9:25 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at St. John’s Hospice. Naomi was born September 12, 1918 in Illinois the daughter of Charles Homer and Flora Roberts Stewart. She married J. Garth Elzea, Jr. September 25, 1943 in Rockford, IL; he preceded her in death August 28, 1985. Mrs. Elzea was active in the Newcomers Club, Kings Daughters Home, Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club, Springfield Garden Club, Springfield Art Association and was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels. She was a member and served as a Deaconess of First Congregational Church. She was also preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter: Erin Christine Elzea, April 18, 2000 and nine siblings. She is survived by two sons: J. Garth “Butch” (wife, Christina) Elzea III of Springfield, Alan Scott (wife, Christine) Elzea of Bellingham, WA; one daughter: Lynn Elzea (husband, Joseph) Brown of Tallahassee, FL; nine grandchildren; and one brother: Kenneth Stewart of Hartford, WI. Friends may call at First Congregational Church, 2100 S. Bates, from 4-5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2003. Funeral Services will be at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2003 at First Congregational Church with Rev. Dr. Kevan S. Franklin officiating, with a reception following at the church. Private graveside services will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery Monday, April 28, 2003. Memorial contributions may be made to CHAMP CAMP at St. Vincent Children Hospital, P.O. Box 40407, Indianapolis, IN 46240. The family of Naomi Stewart Elzea is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Noami Stewart Elzea, 84, passed away on April 23, 2003. She was preceded in death by her husband Garth in 1985 and granddaughter Erin in 2000. Noami was the beloved mother of Lynn (Joe) Brown of Tallahassee, Florida; Butch (Chris) of Springfield; and Alan (Chris) Of Bellingham, Washington. She was the communications hub of a large extended family. Her keen sense of humor, unfailing generosity, and ever-young perspective will be sorely missed by her children and nine grandchildren, her brother Ken, and the relatives and friends she loved so much. Naomi, an active member of First Congregational Church of Springfield, also volunteered her time to King’s Daughters and Meals on Wheels. She loved her friendships formed through bridge clubs and Springfield's Ceramics Club, of which she was a charter member. Her memory will live on through the laughter, stories, and caring connections she shared with friends and family. Excerpt provided from the First Congregational Church bulletin.