Mother Elvira Young

Her Story...

Mother Elvira Marshall was born in Indianola, Mississippi on February 4, 1930 to Laura Hawthorne and her father.

On November 28, 1946, she married Robert Young. She was employed at Brach's candy and not too long after that became a housewife. Elvira moved from Chicago, Illinois (Cabrini Green) to Michigan City, Indiana with her baby girl Patricia in 1982.

Mother Young was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a Church Mother. She enjoyed cooking hand-picked mustard and turnip greens, sweet potatoes, dressing, and cornbread along with the pleasure of other home-made soul food. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family. She didn't smoke but loved to dip snuff. In her free time, she loved sitting on the porch and talking on the phone, (that was her gossiping tea-time). She also enjoyed watching the price is right. Her favorite color was purple. 

Elvira "Big Momma" Young was called home to be with the Lord on June 20, 2025. She was preceded in death by her Mother: Laura Hawthorne, her Husband: Robert Young, three Daughters: Sally Jean Young, Verlene Hendricks, and Darlene Young, and Son: Robert James Jr., three Brothers: Wiley Hawthorne, Lewis Hawthorne, Turner Hawthorne, one Sister: Leona Davis, Sister-in-law: Emma Delaney, one Granddaughter: Phelica "Wezzy" Young.

Mother Elvira leaves to cherish her memories with her 3 Children: David (Delores) Young, Jessie (Maurice) Havis, and Patricia Young, all of Michigan City, IN; Sister: Leflora (Huey) Simpson, Sunflower, MS; and Sister-in-law Mary (James) Delaney of Chicago, IL; Her Grandchildren by Elvira’s children; Francine Howell and Antiono Howell,  Michelle Wells, Charles Stephens and Willie “Simba” Young; David Jr., Ladoraw, Daniel Young, Anthony “Scant”, Young, Maurice “Cap”, Havis, Marcus “Black” Havis, Lanita “Nene” Havis, Carlos Young, Leon “Leon” Young,  Lacresa “Cree” Young, Marquis and Terrell Mabry, along with a host of other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grand-children, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Elvira will be greatly missed yet her memories will forever live on forever in our hearts.

A Celebration of life will be Monday, June 30, 2025 at 12 noon, New Hope Baptist Church 730 W. 6th St. Michigan City, Indiana 46360 with Pastor Jacarra M. Williams to be Eulogist. Viewing will be 11am until time of service at the Church. Burial to follow at Swan Lake Cemetery.

Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. 

PLEASE UTILIZE THE TRIBUTE WALL ON HERE TO LEAVE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OR LIGHT A CANDLE IN HER MEMORY. 

PSALMS 121: 1-2----I WILL LIFT UP MINE EYES TO UNTO THE HILLS, FROM WHENCE COMETH MY HELP. MY HELP COMETH FROM THE LORD, WHICH MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH

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