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Obituary For Mrs.Effuah Elisabeth Chisholm
In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Mrs. Effuah E. Chisholm. Viewing will be Saturday, May 3, 2025 10:00 am-6:00pm; Family hour from 5:00pm-6:00pm at Grissom-Clark Eastlake Chapel. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, May 17, 2025 3:00 pm at Central United Methodist Church 501 Mitchell Street SW Atlanta, GA 30314. Grissom- Clark Eastlake Chapel.
A loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunty, cousin and friend, Effuah "Effie" Elisabeth Chisholm departed earth from the peace of her home the afternoon of Friday, April 25, 2025. She was 59 years old.
Born on March 30, 1966 at Somerville Hospital, Effie's early life was spent in Dorchester, Massachusetts with her parents Robert "Bob" and Romelle Gray while they pursued undergraduate studies in Boston. After her brother Kona was born, Effie and the family moved across the country to Seattle as her parents completed graduate school at the University of Washington.
As they say, it takes a village to raise a child. During this time, Effie and Kona spent time in Liberia with grandmommie Elisabeth Effuah Gray and grandmommie Mae Keller. When they returned to Seattle, Uncle Yudu arrived to help with the children and pursue his degree. After her parents' graduation, the family moved back to the east coast and ultimately settled in Clarkston, Georgia. Effie went to elementary school in Clarkston and made close friends. She was always sweet and kind to everyone. Extended family and family friends were a constant presence during this time. Finally, the family returned to Liberia for career opportunities. In Liberia, Effie attended the LAMCO International School where she made lifelong friends and made many memories with friends and family.
Her time in Liberia was disrupted in 1980 due to a military coup d'etat and the family returned to the States. Also, during this period, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and the family found solace living with Uncle Romeo Keller in Decatur, Georgia. The family resettled in Clarkston where Effie attended Shamrock High School. There, she met one of her closest friends Kathy and they remained best friends for decades. In addition to close friends, she was always surrounded by family, particularly the many strong women who nurtured and inspired her - Romelle Gray, Elisabeth Gray, Mae Keller, Godma Rose, Aunty Arabella, Aunty Rosalyn, Aunty Lucretia, Aunty Facia, and Aunty Malia. During high school, she further developed a lasting bond with her Cousin Debbie who was also her roommate.
She graduated from Shamrock High School a semester early and subsequently began attending Emory University. During her time at Emory, she was initiated as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated through the Omicron Xi Chapter. In addition to the sisterhood built with her sorority sisters, she made lifelong friends at Emory. These women, Marita, Linda, and Lisa, served as constant fixtures in her life and their friendships continued to grow as they all became mothers.
The greatest joy in her life was meeting, cherishing, and marrying the late Donalthan "Donnie" Chisholm and growing a loving family. To this union were born Hannah-Marie, Miriam, and Caleb Chisholm. She loved supporting her children by attending swim meets, serving as a Girl Scout troop leader and leader within the PTA at their respective schools, as well as being a baseball and soccer mom. She was incredibly proud of her children's accomplishments. She worked for many years while raising a family and later pursued a second career as a librarian after receiving a Masters of Library Science from the University of North Texas. Effie's quest for knowledge never wavered and she worked with the Dekalb County Public Library as a children's librarian, branch manager, and later as the continuing education services coordinator. She enjoyed her work, colleagues, and the library patrons she served.
As a woman of faith, she found peace in the promises of God as the foundation of her life. She thrived in the ministries of Central United Methodist Church in Atlanta where she and her late husband raised their children. A dedicated believer in the Holy Spirit, she volunteered countless hours and led bible studies, Sunday School classes, and Vacation Bible School. Effie always shared her love for family and gave unselfishly to help anyone in need. She was caring, thoughtful, empathetic, resourceful and determined to make the world a better place. She wishes we all have a relationship with God, and find comfort and peace until we meet again.
Services will be livestreamed at:
https://www.youtube.com/live/hoHSi1OsNsw?si=WUVVVnqfSowX8Hog
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Diana Newton sent Lily and Rose Tribute Spray for Mrs.Effuah Elisabeth Chisholm - May 16, 2025
Hillary sent Serene Lily Basket for Mrs.Effuah Elisabeth Chisholm - May 15, 2025
DeAndrea Thompson sent Serene Lily Basket for Mrs.Effuah Elisabeth Chisholm - May 13, 2025
maude morris sent Red and White Handled Basket for Mrs.Effuah Elisabeth Chisholm - May 02, 2025
Dearest Effie. Thank you. Thank you for showing up when I was in my darkest hours and rooting for me when you saw me fly. You taught me a lot about being a leader and never letting people see you sweat. You also taught me a lot about being kind and caring for others. Thank you for being in my life and for your sweet hugs and words of encouragement. You are missed. Truly. I love you. Surrounding your family with the warmth of love you shared with so many.
Effie was one of my sweetest, gentlest, loving, and most caring friends I encountered in my life. We spent a lot of time growing up together and continued through adulthood. We always had great conversations with many laughs, however, our primary conversations were sharing the goodness of God. No matter what she went through, she persevered to the end. Rest in peace, my dear friend. You will be missed!
Effie will be greatly missed. I first met her while working in the Clarkston Community on the Tell Me A Story Storytelling festival with Roberta Malavenda. We were lucky enough to recently reconnect in Compassion classes. She was such a beautiful human being. Effie's warm spirit, kind heart, dedication and dependability is how I will always remember her. Sending all my love, along with prayers of comfort and peace, to her family and friends. Effie was so loved by the DeKalb Community and those who were lucky enough to have had the pleasure of working with her. Fly high my dear friend. Your light will shine on forever.
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Effie had such a wonderful caring spirit and was filled with so much grace.Her smile and gentle spirit would always warm my heart each time we spoke. Hannah, Miriam, Caleb you now have your Mother's spirit being your forever "Angel" watching over each of you!🙏🏾❤️
"Effie was a kind, gentle, generous person. Whenever I needed help, I knew if Effie was available I could reach out get assistance. Effie had a ready welcoming smile for everyone. My heart felt condolences and prayers go out to the family and everyone that will be touched by Effie's passing.
I will always feel grateful for knowing Effie. She offered so much in her guiding light for helping patrons and building relationships with the communities we serve. I'm glad to have known her and it won't feel the same without calling her for a question I know she could always answer. To all the family, I wish you peace during this time.
Effie was a wonderful friend along with a cherished co-worker. We never worked at our branches together but we shared so much. From attending conferences together or joining one another on step and healthy eating challenges. I will always keep her in my thoughts and prayers and now Hannah, Miriam and Caleb will be in those prayers. I pray that they know how loved and truly special their mother was and forever will be.
From the staff of Lithonia-Davidson, Effie had such warm and gentle presence about herself. She was always willing to go the extra mile for her colleagues. The news of her being sick just put us all in place of disbelief. You will be missed tremendously throughout DCPL. To your family, we want you all to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you all go through this time of bereavement. With love the..... The Lithonia-Davidson Staff
I am so saddened to hear of Effuah's passing. She was such a gentle and sweet spirit. May God wrap her children and her family in his loving and comforting arms.💕 I pray that one day you will be able to take mom's sweet memories to be your sunshine after the rain. 🙏🏾
Our girls literally grew up together starting from Pre-K. I remember when she was pregnant with Caleb, always working in the school. She was such a sweet and gentle spirit, always had a smile on her face and a warm hug. We had some fun times, I will always cherish those memories.
Sending my love to the family!!!
Effie was a sweet, gentle, and kind soul who will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
Sending love and prayers to Effie's family. Such a beautiful soul, and an amazing woman! 🙏🏽💕
In loving memory of my courageous cousin, who fought her battle with unwavering strength and grace. Though her life was short, she lived it with legendary spirit. Her children carry the legacy of a powerful woman, and I wish they always draw strength from her remarkable life.
Wow this life. From our growing up days to adulthood, Effie was always quiet and determined. She lived a purposeful life. May her children draw strength from the amazing woman that she was. You will be missed Effie. May your beautiful, gentle soul rest in peace. 🙏🏾❤️
Effie was the epitome of perfection. Everything she did, she gave her best. Words cannot express how saddened I am to learn of your(our)loss. Sending my heartfelt sympathy to you and yours family.
My darling cousin Effie, I will miss you and always love you. Rest in peace.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
