Elise Mary Redmond, age 87, died peacefully in her sleep September 9, in the home that she shared with her husband Wendell for over 47 years. She was attended to by family and caregivers.

Elise was born March 23, 1937, on the east side of Baltimore, MD, as the oldest of five siblings - Audrey Jefferson, Phyllis Dredden, Debra O'Neal, and Robert Layton, who predeceased her, and one surviving brother, Raymond Layton, Jr.

Elise was a unique combination of wife, mother, and wage-earner who enjoyed a career as a radiology technician on Little Rock Air Force Base before moving to a leadership role at the LRAFB Family Support Center until her retirement April 3, 2000.

Retirement did not mean slowing down for Elise, as she spent time as a driving instructor for AARP, and some of her most favorite time was spent at local elementary schools reading to children. Her memorized renditions of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and "In the Morning" by Paul Lawrence Dunbar are legendary. An almost forgotten fact–Elise conveyed her oratory skills into an Arkansas state championship of the Toastmistress organization.

Many people knew Elise for her unforgettable soprano singing voice, which was heard in services at various Catholic churches around Pulaski County, as well as at performances with the Arkansas Choral Society. Along with her passion for music was a passion for dozens of species of indoor and outdoor plants. Elise took immense pride in her home, her family, and representation within her community. She had high standards and a giving heart, part of which was represented annually during her neighborhood New Years Eve parties, for which she personally delivered handwritten invitations.

Elise is survived by her husband of 67 years, MSgt (Ret.) Wendell Redmond of Jacksonville; son, Mark Redmond (Samantha) of San Jacinto, CA; daughter, Angela Redmond-Theodore (Eric) of Dade City, FL; daughter, Kelley Redmond of Little Rock; son, Geoffrey Redmond (Jennifer) of Phoenix, AZ; 10 grandchildren, 3 great- grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Because Elise wasn't a great fan of cut flowers, and because she and Bill have been passionate about education, she has asked for contributions on her behalf to Philander Smith University, https://www.philander.edu/alumni/donate/

A celebration of life will be held from 10:00-11:30AM on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home, 1504 Loop Road, Jacksonville, Arkansas.

A rosary service will be held at 11:30AM, with mass being offered on behalf of her beginning at 12:00PM on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Cathedral of St. Andrew Church, 617 S Louisiana St, Little Rock, Arkansas.