We Reflect We Remember

Deaconess Elizabeth Mahone-Mourning was the second of five daughters born to the late Ida Mae MaFarlin-Mahone and Louie Mahone. She was born August 12, 1934 in Columbus, GA, where she was raised. At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Antioch Baptist Church, where she enjoyed being involved in the Baptist Training Union (BTU) and singing in the choir. After graduating from Spencer High School in Columbus, GA, she attended Paine College in Augusta, GA and began expressing an interest in the nursing profession.

In 1956, she moved to Newark, NJ with her older sister Willie Pearl to start a new life in the North. Shortly after, she met George Howard Mourning and they were united in Holy Matrimony in 1961. They began building a new life for themselves in Belmar, NJ, where they purchased their first home. To their union was born the their beloved daughter, Selena Dee Mourning.

In pursuit of her interest in the nursing profession, Elizabeth Mourning became a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of New Jersey, specializing in pediatrics, geriatrics and ventilation. In addition to private duty cases, she spent many years as a nurse for the Salvation Army.

Liz was a loving wife, mother, nana, and friend to many. For Selena, Liz was the BEST mom ever; she made many sacrifices to ensure that Selena could have the best opportunities available. Selena went to charm school, took music and dance lessons, rode horses, and never wanted for anything.

In 1992, after Selena was married, Liz and George relocated to their newly built home in Palm Coast Florida, to begin their new lease on life. Liz wanted a home where she could swim and play with her future grandchildren. Not long after relocating to Palm Coast, Liz and George became two of the seven founding members of the Mt. Calvary, Baptist Church. Shortly after, they were appointed as Deacon and Deaconess and became leaders of the Benjamin tribe. Liz loved Mt. Calvary and was an active church member. She served as a deaconess, Sunday School Superintendent, and was a member of the nurses, nursing home, and hospitality ministries. She also enjoyed the monthly birthday outings with her fellow Deaconesses, as well as helping to plan the church's annual Christmas Fellowship.

Liz loved visiting Selena's family in New York and celebrating her grandchildren's accomplishments as they grew up. When they would visit Liz in Florida, she loved watching them play in the pool as she sipped her morning coffee on the lanai. Liz also enjoyed fishing as much as her husband George. Their favorite spot was Washington Oaks State Park. As they used to say, "You Have To Hook'em to Cook'em!" Liz would Cook'em and share them with everyone with a giggle and smile!

Liz and George built a beautiful life of 23 years in Palm Coast and 54 years in marriage. Whenever George took ill, Liz was his strongest advocate for the best medical care and attention. She made sure if you were going to treat her husband, you had better know what you were doing! She was admirable, dedicated, committed, and loving to her family.

Deaconess Elizabeth Mahone-Mourning was preceded in death by her devoted husband George, and sisters Willie Pearl Craddox and Betty Jean Harris. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter , Selena Mourning-Evans (Robert); three grandsons, Joshua, Caleb, and Isaac, all of New Rochelle, NY; son , Keith Mahone, College Park, GA; like a daughter , Cheryl Tyler-Salley (Charles) Morristown, NY; two sisters , Luria Riley, (Henry) and Cynthia Giles (Willie); three sisters-in law ; Julia Byrd, Mary M. Hiers, and Annie Bell Webb; uncle , Robert McFarlin; aunt, Minnie Williams; goddaughter , Denyce Lawton, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, church family members, and her beloved Beagle, "Brandy".

Homegoing Celebration will be 1 p.m., Saturday, February 13, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 75 Pine Lake Parkway, Palm Coast, Revered Edwin Coffie, Pastor, is the Eulogist. Visitation of family and friends will be from 12 noon until time of services. Interment will be in March, 2016 in the Arlington National Cemetery.