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Elaine Florence Wolford, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away August 17, 2021. She was 95.
A direct descendant of William Brewster, the spiritual leader of H.M.S. Mayflower and The Mayflower Colony, a popular secondary school English and drama teacher for forty years, and the recipient of many educational awards and accolades, she was born Elaine Florence Allen in Cadillac, Michigan on November 8, 1925. She was the eldest daughter of Clifford L. Allen, a renowned Michigan poet and chiropractor, and Leora (Bertholf) Allen, a schoolteacher, and artist.
Elaine married Clarence Lloyd Wolford in 1948, to whom she was married for 50 years and with whom she had four children.
Elaine received her Master’s degree from Rollins College in Orlando, Florida. While an English teacher and drama coach at Merritt Island High School, Elaine produced numerous plays and theatre productions (which included building entire stage sets) for MIHS. She retired from Brevard County Schools after 40 years of service.
Following her career as a teacher, Elaine became an entrepreneur and worked with World Books and Mary Kay earning her many awards and recognition.
She enjoyed painting, writing poetry, and listening to classical music throughout her life. She adored living by the ocean and the beauty of the natural world. She was a member of Christ by the Sea, United Methodist Church and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Elaine loved her family and friends. She was warm and giving and continued to stay in touch with many of her students long after retirement.
She is survived by her daughter, Lyn O. Osborne (Michael) of Rose Hill, VA; Son, Alan M. Wolford of Vero Beach, FL; daughter Diana G. Kirschner (Jonathan, dec.), of Fairview, NC. Grandchildren: April (Jeff) Mather, Darlene (Daimon) Glenn, Lori Collins, Hannah Kirschner (Alonzo Lopez) and Ashlyn Wolford; nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased in death by her parents; husband, Clarence L. Wolford; a son, Gary W. Wolford (2015); brothers Raymond and Louis Allen Jr; and sisters, Norma Webber, and Lois Clough.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute FAU, Ft. Pierce, Florida or Christ by the Sea, United Methodist Church, Vero Beach, Florida.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Susan Anderson - Elaine’s niece
September 3, 2021, 2:02 pm
Sending my deepest sympathies and much love to my cousins. Aunt Elaine will be dearly missed. She was always so wonderful about writing, sending cards and keeping in touch. Many fond memories of summers and her visits back “home” in Cadillac. With love, Susan Anderson
Patti Rollo - Niece
September 4, 2021, 5:09 pm
Much love and prayers to the families of Aunt Elaine, from cousins in Texas and Washington. Always loved receiving her cards and letters throughout the years. She will be greatly missed. With Love, Patti and Douglas Rollo
Margot Trafford Hester - former student
September 5, 2021, 4:45 pm
Elaine Wolford was one of my favorite teachers at Merritt Island High School in the 1960’s. I worked with her on 3 major theatrical productions, as well as being president of the National Thespian Society at the school and involved in the Drama Club. When I went to Rollins College to major in Technical Theatre, Mrs. Wolford drove from Merritt Island to Winter Park to see my work in the first production I was involved in there. I have the fondest memories of her. Margot Trafford Hester.
Michael Ferger - Friend and colleague
September 8, 2021, 1:25 am
Many good memories of a dynamic drama teacher! My condolences to her family; I remember the four Wolford “kids” very well from the early days at MIHS. Your mother was a special and talented lady who worked tirelessly on behalf of her students and put on spectacular drama events under less than desirable conditions. I was privileged to call her a colleague and a friend.