Elsie Murvena Ryan

Elsie Murvena Williams was born on February 19, 1931 to, the late Charles and Curley-Rose Williams in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. She attended business school in May Pen Jamaica, West Indies after passing the 3-year local Jamaican exams.She migrated to London England in 1955 to attend college for Business Administration. She met and married Donald C Washington while in London, he was in the Air Force. In 1958 they relocated to the United States, residing in McDonald, Pennsylvania for a short time. From 1959 to 1963 they lived in Newburgh, New York then, relocated to Tatchikawa Air Force Base in Japan. While in Japan, Elsie worked for the American National Red Cross as a field officer's Assistant Secretary. Elsie and Donald dissolved their marriage upon returning to the U.S. but, she continued to work for the American Red Cross. In 1970, she met and later married Major Matthew J Ryan who preceded her in death February 1979. Elsie was began employment with Beneficial National Life Insurance while raising her children. In 1986 she began a career with the New York City Comptroller's Office until her retirement in 2006. After retiring she moved to Georgia and quickly made many friends. She found her church home at St. Simon Episcopal Church in Conyers, Georgia until her passing. Elsie was involved with many organizations and frequently donated to charities, she was instrumental in forming the National Society for Military Widows. As the President she spearheaded changes in laws benefiting the Rights of military widows. Elsie enjoyed writing poetry, word searches, going to the beach, Broadway plays, opera, and traveling to various countries and celebrating their cultures. She was also an avid sports enthusiast! Elsie was a loving mother and a kind and generous person. She is survived by her children; Pauline Lawrence, Donald Washington, and Clay (Carol-Ann) Washington, grandchildren; Jennelle, Jasen, Donald III, Krystal, and Jasmine, great-grandchildren; Amare and Kalib, sisters; Ena, Greetel, Joan, Olive, and Carmen, brother's; Owen and Tony, a host of niece's, nephews,cousins and close friends. Elsie had a habit of symbolically adopting her children's friends as her own. She will be missed by all of her family and friends.

We are grateful and thankful for her long rich life, full of love, laughter, friendship, compassion and a legacy that continues!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.taragardenchapelfuneralhome.com for the Ryan family.