She was born in Butler, Georgia on November 29, 1943 to the late Miley Purvis Gilson and Ralph C. Gilson. After high school Elaine attended Milledgeville College for Women where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Elaine was a teacher for the Muscogee County School District teaching at several area schools. Before her retirement, she was teaching adult education in the Columbus area. Elaine was married to the late John “Eddie” Nelms, her first husband. She married Don Haney in November of 1986; they were married for over 33 years upon Elaine’s passing. Elaine was Christian by faith, and she loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She enjoyed spending time with her family and her beloved canine companion “Tish”. Elaine will be greatly missed by all who knew her and especially loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Miley and Ralph; her first husband, Eddie Nelms; and her son, Bob Nelms.
She is survived by her loving husband, Don Haney; her sons, Brad Nelms (Cynthia) and Glen Haney (Hope); her daughter, Donna Hamilton (Darrel); her brother, Clarence Gilson (Merrilyn); several grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved canine “Tish”.
A private family service will be held on Monday, July 13, 2020 in the Mill Room of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA. Burial will be in Parkhill Cemetery.
To sign the online guest registry please visit www.shcolumbus.com.
