Elsie Grace Helms-Manley

Elsie Grace Helms-Manley, a lifelong Riverhead resident, died July 9 at her home. She was 93.

Born in Riverhead on Jan. 20, 1917, to Annie and Charles Helms, she graduated from Riverhead High School and attended Freeman College in Washington, D.C., where she earned a degree as a registered nurse. She married Walter B. Manley in 1951.

Ms. Helms-Manley worked as an R.N. at Keller’s Hospital in Westhampton and later as a private duty nurse on the East End.

She was an active member of Goodwill AME Zion Church in Flanders, participating in its Sunday school, missionary board, steward board and deaconess board and as a member of the OPAL’s club.

According to family members, she enjoyed going to the beach, traveling and reading.

She was predeceased by her husband in 1997 and by her siblings Myrtle Skeete-Curtis, Anna Mae Holmes-Percy, Dorothy Lorke-Thomas, Frederick and Geraldine.

Ms. Helms-Manley is survived by her children, Geraldine Owens of Riverhead and Geneva Lewis of Albany, N.Y.; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

The family received visitors July 15 at Goodwill AME Zion Church, prior to services led by the Rev. William Fields. Interment followed at Riverhead Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Seay Memorial Chapel in Riverhead.

Memorial donations may be sent to Feed the Children, P.O. Box 36, Oklahoma City, OK 73101 or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.