Ovida Marie Elkins

Marie Ovida Elkins was born Nov. 24, 1925 in Winter Haven, FL to Joseph P. and Beulah F. Best and went to be with the Lord on Sept. 10, 2016. She is preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Ray Elkins, by her grandson, Billy Ray Elkins, 6 brothers and 2 sisters. She is survived by her daughters Carla Mays, Oleta Whitchard, sons Donald Elkins, Robert Elkins, James Elkins, also by 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren. Her life was always about children. She was called Momma and Granny by more than just her children and grandchildren but by numerous others. She taught Sunday School for 15 years at Winter Haven Baptist Church and was a lunchroom worker for 16 years at Lake Shipp Elementary. She had a God given talent of writing beautiful and meaningful poetry. If she wrote a poem for you, you were someone special to her. She was given the title of 'Poet Laureate of Lake Shipp Elementary' during her years there. If anyone wishes, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Cornerstone Hospice and a worthy cause of your choosing. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 10-11 am with a service following at 11 a.m. Both will be held at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Winter Haven. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theledger/obituary.aspx?n=marie-ovida-elkins&pid=181391540&fhid=7783#sthash.nS3V2OAQ.dpuf