Elaine C. McPherson

Elaine Carol McPherson of Riverhead died Aug. 22 at her home. She was 53.

She was born June 2, 1957, to Elaine Thompson Samuels.

Ms. McPherson had worked most recently for Primerica Inc. and previously for Girls Scouts of Suffolk County Inc., Peconic Bay Home Health Services Inc. and Olsten Health Services.

She was an active volunteer with many organizations and events including Riverhead CAP Programs as Vice President and Board of Directors; Juneteenth Committee; Long Island Children and Family Services (Head Start); Galilee Church of God in Christ Inc.; WHFM Radio/Faircom South Hampton Inc.; Relay Communications Inc. in Riverhead; and WALK Radio in East Patchogue.

According to her family, Ms. McPherson “was a pillar of her community and a selfless Christian.” She was a member of Jefferson Temple Church of God in Christ in Cutchogue, where she served as church clerk, hospitality member and church announcer. She was also a Deaconess of Bethel Church of God in Christ in Brentwood, where she served as president of public relations, hospitality board member, drama ministry member, fundraiser and a licensed missionary.

Predeceased by her mother in 1982, she is survived by her husband of 25 years, Minister William McPherson; her children, Jasmyne, William Jr. and Alisa; her twin sister, Eileen Thompson, and other siblings, Cheryl Archer, Paul, Paulette, Stephen and Vine Samuels and Neva Colon.

The family received visitors Aug. 28 at Galilee Church of God and Christ in Riverhead. Funeral services followed. Interment was at Washington Memorial Park in Mount Sinai. Arrangements were handled by Seay Memorial Chapel in Riverhead.