Elaine Young

Elaine Young, age 83, died Thursday, December 9, 2004, at the Wilkes Senior Center, a nursing home in North Wilkesboro, after a long illness. Mrs. Young was born in Brooklyn, NY, but was raised in Massachusetts and Maplewood, NJ. She was the daughter of Frank Emmons Mendes, Jr. and Helen Randall Mendes. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Roger Coeyman, and her second husband, William Clyde Young.

Mrs. Young graduated from Averett College and UNC Chapel Hill, where she majored in drama and was active in the Carolina Playmakers. She received her master's degree in Special Education from the University of Florida. Upon retiring as a special education supervisor from the Broward County, Florida school system in 1984, she and Bill moved to Glendale Springs.

Mrs. Young had been active in the Christian Science Church and had been a reader in the Blowing Rock church. She helped organize and was past president of the Ashe County Literacy League. She and her husband, Bill, loved gardening and were known for their attractive yard.

Mrs. Young is survived by her brother, Frank Emmons Mendes, 3rd and wife, Ruth Smith Mendes, of Glendale Springs, a step daughter, Mary Young Land, of Atlanta, GA, a nephew, John Randall Mendes, of Weddington, NC and a niece, Barbara Mendes Jurs, and grand nephew, Jason Randall Jurs, both of Spartanburg, SC.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 18, 2004, at 3:00 p.m. at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel in Jefferson followed by a visitation. A private inurnment will be at a later date at the Ashelawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum of Prayer. Memorials may be made to the Ashe Literacy League, c/o Wilkes Community College - Ashe County Campus, or the Ashe County Library.