Elsie M. Reddix

Elsie M. Reddix (nee Terry), age 90, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2023 in Beachwood, OH. She was born in Roanoke, VA on November 17, 1932 to Vernard and Gertrude Terry. Her death was the result of a number of medical maladies. Elsie met Paul R. Reddix, her beloved husband, on a blind date arranged by a girlfriend whose husband was a resident physician at the same hospital where Paul was a pharmacist. Paul and Elsie were married June 25, 1960, by their minister, the Reverend Richard Andrews.

Elsie came from a cohesive family of four brothers and four sisters: twin sister, Rheba Cannaday of Roanoke, VA; sisters Jayne Johns of Clinton, MD, and Sophia Wicks of Chesapeake, VA; twin brothers Donald (Debra) Terry and Ronald (Mary) Terry of Roanoke, VA; Elsie was preceded in death by her other two brothers, Coles Terry and Charles Terry.

She is survived by her husband, Paul; son, Paul Jr., who lives in Oakwood Village, OH; granddaughter Laura Reddix; great-grandchildren Maleah, Brooklynn, Amiyah, and Jamel who live in Odenton, MD, all of whom Elsie cherished; Laura’s mother and Paul Jr.’s former wife, Susan, who lives nearby in Severn, MD; many loving nieces and nephews in Maryland and Virginia.

Elsie graduated from Carver High School in Salem, VA, and came to Cleveland to work at her uncle’s real estate business. A few years later, after some additional education at a business college, she went to work in the law department of the city of Cleveland as a clerk. While working at Cleveland city hall she enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College and graduated with an associate degree in Business Administration and office Management. She was employed by the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education for 27 years, retiring as the Administrative Assistant to the School District Assistant Superintendent.

She was affiliated with both educational and civic organizations: National Alliance of Black school Educators, Heights Alliance of Black School Educators, Jack and Jill of America Association, Eliza Bryant Village, and the Red Hatters. Elsie was recognized by Congressman Louis Stokes for her work as president of Heights Alliance Black School Educators.

Church activities were part of her life. She served as chairperson of Lady Deacons of Mt. Zion Congregational Church, President of the Junior League of the church, and on various boards. She was a recipient of the Living Legend and Honor Award. There was a group of friends called the “Bid Whist Five “club.

She enjoyed traveling, the favorite of her “hobby” activities. She traveled to most of the states in the United States. She also visited Europe, South America, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean Islands. There was even a cruise around Antarctica.

Elsie liked pretty clothes and she wore them very well. She was asked to do some fashion modeling and modeled for a local clothes designer and a couple of stores.

Elsie lived in the same house in Beachwood for 39 years. She participated in block parties, neighborhood activities, and civic activities in the city. Her physical capabilities began to fade so Elsie and Paul decided to move to a senior living facility in Beachwood.

Everyone seemed to take to her from the very beginning. Elsie was a “people person”. She enjoyed being with people. She had a personality and smile that enabled everyone to love her.