Elouise Powell Locke was born on April 26, 1946 in Stockton, Alabama to the late Harold Powell and the late Flora L. Baker Powell Earle. She was preceded in death by her sister, Carrie P. Earle and stepfather, Eddie Earle, Sr. She quietly and calmly responded to the Master's summons and made her transition on Saturday, June 3, 2006
At an early age she united with the Union Baptist Church in Stockton, Alabama. She was a very active member and served in several ministries at Union Baptist. When she moved to Huntsville, Alabama she joined First Missionary Baptist Church. Elouise was a member of Circle Number Two Group and was an active participant until her health interfered with her attendance.
Elouise graduated from Douglasville High School in 1964. After graduation she spent a year in New York working to acquire finance for her college education. She returned to Stockton for a brief stay and left to attend Alabama A&M University. She graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education in 1969. In 1972, she completed her Master's Degree in Elementary Education. Educating children was one of Elouise's passions so she continued her study of the gifted child at the University of Connecticut in 1991. After twenty-seven and one-half years of teaching in the middle schools of the Decatur City Schools she retired because of failing health in 1996. She was a dedicated teacher who dearly loved her profession. She was honored as "The Teacher of The Year" at Oak Park Middle School.
On December 28, 1968 she was united in Holy Matrimony to her soul mate, Willie Edward Locke, Sr. They were married in Stockton, Alabama. Their total devotion, respect, and love for each other radiated throughout their marriage. To this union two lovely children were born: Willie Edward, Jr. and Shannon W. Locke-Virola.
Elouise was a member of the National Association of Education, the Alabama Association of Education, and the Morgan County Association of Education. She was Cub Scout Den Mother and A 4-H sponsor. In 1993 the 4-H Club awarded her the Volunteer Leader Award in recognition of her loyal and dedicated service with Alabama A&M University youth for sixteen years. Elouise was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (Delta Omega Zeta Chapter). Prior to her illness she was dedicated to helping lift one of their national initiatives -StorkNest.
Elouise was a patient, kind, humble, thoughtful, and a very caring individual and will forever live in the memory of all who knew her. Her greatest passion was spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her devotion to her family was constantly demonstrated in her concern for their well-being. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life. You could hear the admiration in her voice and see the love in her eyes when she shared stories about them. She enjoyed cooking, fishing, and reading. She was also an avid sports fan.
Elouise leaves to cherish her memories a loving and devoted husband, Willie Edward Locke, Sr., two children: Willie Edward Locke, Jr. (Demetrice) and Shannon Wilanda L. Virola; five grandchildren: Jason William Locke, Alana Marie Locke, Salina Louise Virola, Camilla Reece Virola, and Avery Jonathon Virola; two sisters:Harriett P. Weaver of Stockton, Alabama and Anna E. Olukoya of Huntsville, Alabama; one brother, Eddie Earle, Jr. (Mildred) of Mobile, Alabama. A host of nieces, nephews, friends and special and devoted friends: Erma Woods, Jimmy Woods, Leona Thompson, Larry Smalley and Daniel Mose, II.
Service
Friday, June 9, 2006
Eleven O’clock A.M.
First Missionary Baptist Church
3509 Blue Springs Road, Northwest
Huntsville, Alabama 35810
Dr. Julius R. Scruggs, Pastor
Interment
Valhalla Memory Gardens
700 Winchester Road
Huntsville, Alabama 35811