Elma Elaine Demby

Elma Elaine Allen Demby, treasured daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Easter Sunday (April 24, 2011). A memorial service will be held the morning of Thursday, April 28th at 10:30am. Visitation will be held the evening of Wednesday, April 27th from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Both events will be held at McEwen Charlotte Chapel, Monroe Road.

She was a Union County native born on April 8, 1925 to father Clayton J. Allen and mother Kate Baker Allen, and was “so proud of my heritage.” In 1942, she married J.C. Demby (1924-1997) and they enjoyed a happy life together in Charlotte for over 50 years. They were active members of First Baptist Church in Charlotte. She meticulously oversaw a warm and loving home, worked for Mecklenberg County Schools, and proudly supported J.C.’s half-century career at Lance Incorporated.

Elma was a loving sister to Reese Allen, Gerald Allen (Bobbie Allen), and Martha Allen Henry (John Henry); a wonderful mother to 3 children and their spouses: Larry Demby (Michele Demby), Francie Demby (Marshall Gravely), and Mike Demby (Jackie Demby). She was a doting MawMaw to 5 grandchildren and their significant others: Cameron Demby, Lauren Myers (Steven Jax), Jennifer Ludolph, Alexander Myers (Lauren Moore), and Amanda Demby (Sam Dabbas); proud great-grandmother to Preston Dabbas; and a second mom to many special friends and extended family.

She was a talented cook and a gracious host who treated her family to cheesy grits, stewed beef and rice, and coconut cake. A gifted seamstress, she made her daughter’s wedding dress, and was an extraordinary gardener who looked forward to her first tomato sandwich of the summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Presbyterian Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 33549, Charlotte NC 28233. Online donations may be made at www.presbyterian.org/hospice

Elma had a huge heart and boundless generosity, and she will be dearly missed by all those whose lives she touched.