On Friday, Nov. 7, 2003, in Nansemond Point Rehabilitation Center, Elsie Powell Eley, entered into eternal peace as she slept. Elsie was born on March 29, 1920, to the late Hercules and Pearl Powell in Southampton County. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Royal C. Eley Sr.; one stepdaughter, Alice Pearman; two sisters, Lona Boykins and Lottie Owens; and three brothers, Otis Powell, Shirley Powell and Joseph Powell.

She leaves to cherish her memory five sons, Boussean McClenny (Esther) of Laurelton, N.Y.; Horace McClenny (Doris) of Zuni; Royal Eley Jr. (Mattie) of Suffolk; James Eley (Cary) of Pasadena, Calif.; and Carlton Eley of Surry; three daughters, Jeannette Brown (Eugene) of Suffolk; Mary Parson (Zelna Jr.) and Patricia Eley, both of Ivor; one sister, Ora Haynes of Franklin; two brothers, Hercules Powell Sr. (Mary) of Franklin; and Emerson Powell (Judy) of Bayville, N.J.; 28 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-laws, Annie Whitehurst of Dover, Del.; Nora Williams of Petersburg; and Sadie Eley of Suffolk; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in Mission of Deliverance Church of God in Christ (Pastor Cynthia Chapman), 650 Crumpler Road, Ivor. Pastor Leslie Holloway of Oak Grove Baptist Church will officiate the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Viewing will be at 11 a.m. Monday in the church.

The family will receive visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Zelna H. Parson Jr., 1209 Berrymans Corner Road, Ivor.

Gates County Funeral Home is in charge.