Elaine Beverly Dansby, née Blankenship, was born to Elva A. Simpson and Wellington Blankenship on March 4, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was later raised by Floyd G. Adams, “Papa.” She was the third oldest in her family. Elaine accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was educated in the Cleveland Public School system and graduated from Glenville High School. She was a “TARBLOODER” through and through.

Elaine met the love of her life, Romeo Dansby, and they were united in holy matrimony on May 29, 1970, enjoying forty-eight years of love and marriage. To this union, they welcomed four children: Gwynne, Garvin, Darryl, and Cameo.

Elaine began her career at the Sunny Acres long-term care Hospital TB Clinic located in Warrensville Heights, OH. She earned her undergraduate degree from Baldwin Wallace College and subsequently joined Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital as a Medical Records Manager. Elaine returned to school to obtain her Executive MBA from Baldwin Wallace College and was later promoted to Health Information  Administrator. She retired from the MetroHealth Hospital System in 1999. A year later, deciding that she was not ready for retirement, she returned to the MetroHealth System as Health Information Administrator for the MetroHealth Ambulatory Health Centers.

Elaine enjoyed life and was an avid sports fan. You could catch her on any given Sunday rooting for the Cleveland Browns. She wholeheartedly supported the Cavaliers and Guardians. She was a passionate golfer. Throughout the years, she often participated in two to three golf leagues simultaneously,  enjoyed traveling with her husband, and spent time with her children and grandchildren. Until her last days, Elaine was actively bowling, golfing, and enjoying playing both Bid Whist and Bridge. She was also very creative and an enthusiastic crocheter, often seen wearing her creations and designing for others.

Elaine was deeply involved in her community through advocacy and service work. She was a member of Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Cleveland Gamma Chapter, an African American business, and professional women’s sorority. Additionally, she was a part of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. (NCBW), Greater Cleveland Chapter, an advocacy organization focused on enhancing the lives of Black women and girls in health, education, and economic empowerment. Throughout her involvement, Elaine served as Third Vice President of Membership, Board Director for ten years, Chair of the Annual Women of Vision Awards and Scholarship  Gala, Courtesy Chair, and was actively serving as Historian.

Elaine truly valued the importance of family and community. She was considerate and often remembered special occasions by sending cards or notes. She focused on strengthening family bonds by establishing and participating in traditions and routines, such as regular dinners and outings, creating shared experiences along the way. A selfless individual, she opened her home and shared her resources with family members in times of need. Elaine played an integral role in the lives of her family. She was a cheerleader, encourager, confidant, and support system to many. Additionally, without question, she took on the responsibility of caring for her husband, sister, brother, and father during their terminal illnesses. She rededicated her life to Christ, as a member of a virtual Bible Study Group, and she spent time weekly with her church sisters to study her favorite scriptures.

Elaine departed this life on Saturday, August 2, 2025, taking ill at a family Baby Shower surrounded by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd, and Elva; husband Romeo; her sisters, Linda, Diane, and Cheryl; and her brother, Douglas. She leaves to cherish her legacy, siblings Marie (Luther), Floyd Jr., Eloise, James, Claude and Sheron; her children Gwynne, Garvin (Sheila), Darryl (Cressida), and Cameo (LaVonne Sr.); and her surrogate children Gary, Monique, and Amber; her grandchildren Edward, Dominique, Valencia, Darryl, Isaiah, Vaniece, LaVonne Jr., and Vatazha as well as her surrogate grandson Phillip IV; and her great-grandchildren Laila, Zi’yana, Seth Jr. and Sa’mya. Additionally, she leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, and friends who will cherish her memory.

Elaine was a special kind of lady who left an indelible impression.

Her family and friends will greatly miss her.

In the words of her grandchildren, “Hey grandma, how are you?”

“ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!”