November 17, 1932 — June 15, 2023
Elsie M. Reddix (nee Terry) died 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 T. Andrews Jr.
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.
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 Assistant Superintendent.
Elsie was affiliated with multiple educational and civic organizations including the National Alliance of Black School Educators, Heights Alliance of Black School Educators, Jack and Jill of America, Eliza Bryant Village, and the Red Hatters. She was recognized by Congressman Louis Stokes for her work as president of Heights Alliance Black School Educators.
Church activities were a major part of her life. She served as chairperson of Lady Deacons of Mt. Zion Congregational Church, president of the church’s Junior League, and in numerous other roles. She and a group of friends referred to themselves as the Bid Whist Five club.
Elsie’s favorite hobby was traveling. She visited a majority of U. S. states in the United States. Internationally, she also visited Europe, South America, Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands. She even cruised around Antarctica.
Elsie had a strong fashion sense and modeled for a local clothes designer and some area stores.
Elsie lived in the same house in Beachwood for 39 years. She enjoyed participating in block parties, neighborhood activities, and civic activities in the city.
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 of Odenton, MD; Laura’s mother and Paul Jr.’s former wife, Susan, of Severn, MD; and many loving nieces and nephews in Maryland and Virginia.
Funeral services will be Thursday, June 22, 2023, at noon at Mt. Zion Congregational Church, 10723 Magnolia Drive [44106]. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00a.
Interment will follow the service at Lake View Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Av [44106]. Arrangements have been entrusted to Calhoun Funeral Home, 23000 Rockside Rd [44146].
• • •• • •
