Lynne Mooty MacElvain

1934 - 2009

Lynne Mooty MacElvain, 75, of Eufaula, died peacefully at the home of her daughter, surrounded by the love of her family, after a year-long illness, on Thursday, December 10.
She was born January 4, 1934, in Houston, Texas. She was raised in Eufaula where she lived most of her life, having resided for 13 years in Tuscaloosa during her early married years. She was the only child of Lois and Robert Edwin Mooty, who preceded her in death. She was married for 54 years to her devoted husband, Robert Churchill MacElvain.
Survivors in addition to her husband are daughters Ellen MacElvain Rhett (Warren) and Leslie MacElvain Huckaby (Jim) of Mountain Brook and grandchildren Alexandra Moore Rhett, William Warren Rhett and Mary McKenzie Huckaby, all of Mountain Brook; maternal uncle Jack Monroe Averett (Eloise) of Columbus and many Averett cousins.
Mrs. MacElvain was a graduate of Eufaula High School, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Auburn University where she was a member of Kappa Delta social sorority. She received a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama. She was one of the original teachers when The Lakeside School of Eufaula was founded in 1968 and taught second grade there for a number of years. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, where she was the co-author and original narrator of the annual children's Nativity Pageant and where, for many years, she sang in the Chancel Choir.
She was a member of Eufaula Country Club; the Lanier Study Club; the Christ Child's Circle; and the Junior League of Tuscaloosa (non-resident Sustaining).
She and her husband purchased and lovingly restored an antebellum home in the historic Seth Lore District of town, and were recognized for their efforts in Historic Preservation. Always active in her beloved community of Eufaula, she served as board member and past president of Christ Child's Circle; board member and past president of Fendall Hall; board of Eufaula Heritage Association; past chairman of the administrative board of First United Methodist Church; past chairman and board member of Trees Eufaula; past chairman and board member of Historic Chattahoochee Commission and many other volunteer positions in service to the community. She was a Kiwanis Citizen of the Year.
Mrs. MacElvain was a voracious reader who read five books a week and she also enjoyed crossword puzzles, which she completed daily until a few days before her death. She had an uncommon love for people and had a special gift for bringing out the best in everyone she met.
She was an accomplished hostess whose annual New Year's Day brunch party was legendary. She enjoyed travel and counted among her most treasured travel memories a photographic safari to Kenya. She had a particular fondness for the music of classical composer Sir Edward Elgar. Perhaps best known for her sunny disposition, she appropriately loved the color yellow (though not to wear) and anything made with lemons. She was a member of a small Wednesday morning prayer group for almost four decades and she met with a closely-knit group of friends for a weekly Thursday Ladies' Lunch for almost 30 years.
She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Ronald Alvarez, special nurse and friend Terrell Halcomb, Vickey Allums and loyal caregivers Eddie Brown, Irma Gosha and Ruby Harvey.
A service in celebration of life for Mrs. MacElvain is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, December 18, at First United Methodist Church in Eufaula with Dr. Alvin N. Harbour officiating.
Honorary pallbearers are Richard Alexander Boyette, Dr. Ronald S. Brown, Robert Mack Dixon Jr., Henry B. Gray, the Hon. James Gorman Houston Jr., William Vinkley Neville, Jr., Benjamin Chapman Reeves, Col. Albert Simpson and representing the late Joel Pierce Smith Jr., Joel Pierce Smith III.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the fellowship hall. A private committal of ashes ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 19, at the family plot in Fairview Cemetery.
If a Memorial contribution is desired, it may be made to Trees Eufaula, 427 North Randolph Avenue, Eufaula, Alabama 36027, or to the United Methodist Children's Home, Attn: Director of Development, 1507 Alex Drive, Suite 105, Birmingham, Alabama 35210.
Sign the online guestbook for Mrs. MacElvain at www.eufaulatribune.com.