On Christmas Day, December 25, 1936, Elaine June Gayles was born to Annie B. and Roy L. Gayles on the southside of Chicago, IL. She was raised in a loving home with 3 generations of strong women of faith. Elaine attended Coleman Elementary School. She was a very bright student and graduated in January of 1951. She went on to Dunbar Vocational High School (Trade) where she was a popular student and cheerleader.  Elaine graduated high school in January 1955. At a very young age, Elaine, gave her life to Christ and became a member of True Light Baptist Church, then located at 47th and Dearborn under the leadership of Rev. W.D. Kilgore. Elaine was baptized by Rev. B.F. Paxton around (10 years old). True Light BC moved to 45th and Dearborn, where she sang in the Junior Choir, was on the Junior Usher Board, Secretary Sunday School and Junior Radio Announcer for True Light Broadcast Ministry.

Elaine met her childhood sweetheart at 12 years old, Donald Williams, he was the brother of her friend Betty Phillips. Elaine and Donald married in June of 1955 and to this union 4 children were born. She loved being a mother and worked hard to make sure her family ALWAYS had a good home with everything they needed especially lots of LOVE.

Elaine joined her mother Annie B. Gayles, becoming an employee in 1953 at A.R. Leak Funeral Home. She had a long career becoming Office Manager as well as Banquet Manager for A.R. Leak-Colonial House in the early 1970s. She was Secretary for National Funeral Directors Association from 1964-1978.  She also operated her own flower shop "Black's Flowers," which was her baby and a joy in her life! After retiring and life changes, Elaine returned to Chicago in 2015. She reunited with loved ones and her True Light Church family under the Pastorship of LaRue Kidd. She was appointed Mother's Council Missionary Fellowship, and part of the December Birth Month Fellowship. Elaine was a loving, faithful, servant of the Lord.

Elaine went home to join her parents Annie and Roy Gayles; the father of her children, Donald Williams; her biological father, Andrew Griffin and her daughter Patricia Anice. She leaves to cherish her memory, her 2 sons, Donald Williams Jr (Margaret) and Patrick R. Williams (Pamela); her daughter, Anice P. Williams; 6 grandchildren, Donald Williams III, Alex R. Williams, Andre R. Williams, Cynthia Williams, Darnyell K. Johnson; 7 great grandchildren; 1 brother Andrew Griffin II (Carmen), 2 sisters, Francine Johnson and Karen Harrison; and a host of family and friends.

Elaine returned to OK in 2018. She was at home with her loved ones and at peace when God called her home on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 9:00pm.