Aug. 6, 1925 - April 21, 2009

ELKHART -- Elmira Cain, 83, of Elkhart, died at 2:06 a.m. Tuesday (April 21, 2009) in Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born Aug. 6, 1925, in Butler County, Mo., to Willie and Fannie (McCauley) Cain. In the late 1940s she married Ira Hooper in Poplar Bluff, Mo. He died in the late 1950s.

Mrs. Cain is survived by three sons, Levaughn H. Cain of Calumet City, Ill., Leon (Carolyn) Cain of Atlanta and Tracey (Cassandra) Humphrey of Arlington, Texas; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Evelina Boyce of Alsip, Ill.; and one brother, Isaac (Doritha) Cain of Chicago.

Five siblings preceded her in death.

Mrs. Cain worked as a private domestic worker most of her life. She also did housekeeping at several hospitals in Missouri before moving to Elkhart. Plainspoken and simple, she will be remembered as the "binding tie" of her family, as she did all she could to ensure everyone stayed in contact with each other.

She loved to be around people and enjoyed hosting and grilling family dinners, making cornbread, shopping and dining at Ponderosa, her favorite restaurant. She was a member of Community Missionary Baptist Church of Elkhart and often cared for ailing family members.

No funeral services or rites have been scheduled. Cremation has taken place. Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is assisting with arrangements.

Memorials may be given to the Elmira Cain Memorial Fund, care of Billings Funeral Home. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.