Reflection of Life

Elaine Elizabeth Small was born to Major (Ret.) Walter and Scarlett Small on May 1, 1976 in Aurora California; she peacefully transitioned to a heavenly home on September 18, 2016 while hospitalized at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, DC.

An avid reader and sharp student, Elaine attended Artesia High School in Lakewood, California. She graduated from Cerritos Community College with an Associate Degree in Business Administration, then attended California State University, Dominguez Hills, in Carson California where she received a BA in Human Resource Management. She was employed by the County of Los Angeles for four years prior to moving to Washington DC in September 2012. She attended The Baptist Church of the New Covenant in Norwalk, California

Elaine had several interests ranging from listening to music, playing dominoes and making jewelry. Her absolute passion was for making custom designed soaps, lotions and skin care products-and she excelled in this area. A skilled conversationalist, Elaine loved meeting people and guiding clients she met at the various craft markets in selecting items that met their needs. She had an eye and love for fashion and a talent for choosing outfits that made a statement.

Elaine loved family, friends, and Wrightsville Beach! She recently travelled to Orlando, Florida and cruised to the Bermuda. Her parents exposed her to worldwide travel from the age of two and would ensure she returned to North Carolina and other locations to visit and get to know her kin. Each of them played key roles in her life. Her exposure to a wide range of cultures and people inspired her learning and development as a gifted reader, interpreter and analyst of any work she read. She was a frequent user of Facebook with friends across the world.

Her toddler niece, Maya Scarlett and newborn nephew, Matthew-David Thomas Small were the loves of her life. She cherished paternal and maternal grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and developed special affection for them, and they for her.

She leaves to mourn; her parents Walter and Scarlett, sister Vikki, and brother Walter Jr. Uncles: William, Joseph (Thenia), Donald and Julius (Linda) Small, Kenneth Davis, Milton and Ervin (Maebelle) Rouse. Aunts: Velma Small Hall (Richard), Melody Rouse, Brenda J. Schell (Wyrian) and a beloved grandmother, Dr. Shelva J. Davis; cousins, friends and a very dear friend, Lshandra Fitzgerald, of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Lovingly submitted,
The Family