Elaine Regina Young

Early Life

Elaine Regina Middleton was born May 2, 1931 in Staten Island, New York, and was lovingly raised by Regina and James Middleton, affectionately known to the family as Nana and Weegie. She and her mother, preceding her dad, drove cross country and moved to California in 1937 at six years of age, establishing residence in Los Angeles where her journey of faith and compassion truly began. Elaine was raised in a close-knit family and Christian community which instilled within her the values of kindness, humility, and hard work — principles she carried throughout her life. She attended Audubon Junior High School and later Dorsey High School in Los Angeles where she was a standout student and loyal classmate.

 

Elaine adored singing. It was her life’s joy. Early in her career, she performed with local youth dance companies on military bases and at special celebrations up and down coastal California, tap dancing and singing for USO troops in the years following World War II. During that time, she recalled meeting legendary actress and singer Lena Horne whose influence remained significant during her development as a young performer. Elaine was a fixture in the church choir and for many years was a guest vocalist with choirs and choral groups at Christmas time and for other special occasions. Many relatives and close friends had the joy and privilege of hearing her sing during her career which spanned more than eight decades.

Elaine was a passionate tennis player. She competed in many youth and adult tournaments earning trophies and winning medals regularly. Highly competitive and skilled as a young player, her dedication to practice and playing led to a chance encounter with a young Navy veteran on the tennis courts at Exposition Park in 1949. His name was Peter, they fell in love, married, had four children, and spent over 60 years together until Peter’s transition in 2007.

 

Enduring Faith and Church Loyalty

Elaine was a faithful and devoted Christian. Her unwavering loyalty – rooted in the foundational relationship formed through the tutelage and pastorship of Reverend Elliot Mason at Trinity Baptist Church in Los Angeles – remained a constant inspiration, motivating her throughout her lifetime. After the Young family relocation from LA to Altadena in 1963, she found a new church home, Metropolitan Baptist Church, where she served faithfully and contributed actively for over 50 years in the choir and as a committee member under the leadership of Pastor Tyrone Skinner. Finally, Elaine moved to Missouri in 2021, finding sanctuary with daughter Colette and husband Thomas at Bannister Road Baptist Church where they worshipped regularly.

 

Elaine’s journey with Jesus has been filled with moments of joy and celebration reflected in her deep love for the Lord which she has guarded with her heart unceasingly until the day she departed this earth. As we remember our beloved matriarch and queen mother, her unwavering faith will always serve as a source of inspiration for our entire family and those who knew her well. 

Devoted Wife, Mother, and Grandmother

As Peter's wife, more than 50 years of marriage stands as testament to their enduring partnership, demonstrating that love and faith in God overcomes all challenges. Through storms and sunsets, their partnership and bond endured and Grammer is now holding hands with ‘Pops’ on the beach along Heaven’s shore. As a devoted mother, her children and grandchildren have been blessed with her unequivocal support in pursuing their own dreams and aspirations. Her desire for each has always been to fulfill their own potential to the fullest. Her advice and encouragement have always come from a place of caring and concern – traits that her grandchildren have also come to know first-hand. As a caregiver, nurturer, and supporter, there are very few people we will ever come across in life with Elaine’s capacity for concern.

 

Legacy of Compassion

Elaine was well-known for her many talents and activities. Whether preparing the traditional Thanksgiving “Butterball” turkey with oyster dressing and gravy, volunteering with Altadena Little League, running Litman photography, or managing church choir rehearsals, she approached everything with dedication and grace. Her generosity and loving personality extended well beyond her own family – she was always ready to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors. Elaine Regina Young lived a remarkable 94 (and a half) years, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, community service, and steadfast love for her family and friends. Her gentle smile, wise words, and steadfast faith will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

 

Elaine’s family includes her beloved children: Camille (who preceded her in passing in 2015), William (Billy) and wife Pang, Colette and husband Thomas, Jeffrey and wife Angela. Her treasured grandchildren Erik, Regina and wife Jennifer, Danielle, Joshua, Zachary, and Jeffrey. Three step grandchildren Tonya Miller, Theresa Hill, and Thomas Rousey, Jr. One of the final joys of her life was to kiss and embrace her great grandson, Cameron. She also leaves many friends, relatives, and loved ones who have all been touched by her spirit of benevolence and will forever treasure the time she spent with each. Her family will continue to honor her memory by upholding the values she cherished and living by her example.

 

“Mom, while your time here on earth was long and fulfilling, your impact will be sorely missed. We celebrate your life, your love, and your courageous and enduring faith. Cooking, singing, laughing, hugging, praying, serving – these are the everlasting images of your love. Rest in peace, dear Mother. Your legacy will live on in our hearts forever.”