It was 1935, the Harlem Renaissance was winding down, Billie Holiday’s voice was floating through the airwaves, and Black folks were surviving, thriving, and testifying with pressed hair, sharp hats, and hearts full of faith. That’s the day the world was blessed with Elnora Paulk, born April 22, 1935. Dressed and ready to celebrate her 90th born day, Elnora and her guests gathered inside the northsides Majestic Event Complex to commemorate her birthday and legacy.
Born and raised in the Georgia countryside with her grandparents, she’s the third oldest of four sisters; proud mother of two; and grandmother of five.
After graduating from Edward Waters College, Elnora’s career began working with small children in a Jacksonville daycare lab, which led her to the classroom teaching sixth graders for more than 35 years in the Duval County Public School System. An avid traveler, Elnora has visited Spain, Paris, London, Mexico, Aruba, and Hawaii! One of her most unforgettable journeys was a 10-day cruise through the Panama Canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic and the 3.5-day Greyhound trip to Phoenix, Arizona for a family vacation.
Her proudest accomplishment, “That the Lord gave me the wisdom and understanding to take care of myself and be nice to people,” she said.
For more than 30 years, she has represented the blue and white of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Alpha Zeta chapter serving the senior community through bingo and gifts. Rounding out her resume is her faithful membership at Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves as an usher, on the Pastor’s Aide Ministry (PAM) team, and the church hostess committee.
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