Elaine Martha Ewell Harris Hart, a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend, peacefully transitioned to eternal rest on Sunday, August 2, 2026. 

She was born on May 31, 1932 in Worcester County, MD to the late William Ewell and Sallie Williams Ewell. Elaine was raised in a Christian home, surrounded by love and taught early on to love God, treat others the way she would want to be treated and to abide by the Ten Commandments. Psalm 23 was her favorite scripture.

After graduating from Worcester High School in 1948, Elaine moved to Baltimore, MD to pursue her dreams of furthering her education and traveling from the eastern shore farms to the big city. She graduated from the pioneering, Black-owned private vocational institution, Cortez Peters Business School, mastering typing, shorthand and clerical skills.

Elaine began her distinguished 47-year career with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) on March 18, 1952. As a manager of communities like McCulloh, Gilmor, Latrobe, Douglass and O'Donnell Heights, Elaine was known as a no-nonsense leader, She resolved.tough situations with immense class, dignity, confidence, and a knowing and encouraging look that would empower others to do the right thing. Though she retired after 37 years, HABC requested her return to train the next generation, a tenure she finally completed in 2002 having earned numerous awards and commendations.

Not long after arriving to Baltimore, a handsome, debonair gentleman captured her heart. Clarence “Cee Jay” Harris and Elaine were inseparable. They were married in 1955 and raised four children, moving from Baltimore to a brand-new city, Columbia, MD, in 1968. Their home was always lively filled with love, visitors, music from every era & good food. Thanksgiving was Elaine's favorite holiday and everyone was welcome. Elaine and Clarence traveled together through the years with family and friends and remained dedicated to each other until his untimely passing in 2002.

Elaine was a devoted servant of God throughout her life. Her service began at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in Baltimore, MD. When the family moved to Columbia, MD, she became a Charter Member of St. John Baptist Church. Later in life, she returned to Mt. Ararat and continued to faithfully serve God until He called her home. Elaine was supportive of numerous ministries through giving, volunteering, encouraging others, and just by her presence. a Over the years she served as a Deacon, scholarship committee member and gospel choir member. Elaine was often the point person to beautifully decorate the lower-level fellowship hall for church anniversaries, special celebrations and repasts. She was extremely organized and thorough, always demonstrating great attention to detail. Her kindness, spiritual gifts and love for others was a reflection on God's love.

In 2017, Elaine was blessed to find love again with another godly man, Filmore W. Hart. Their union, although short, was blessed, loving and sincere. They enjoyed family gatherings and traveling the country by car, stopping to visit all those who had invited them. Filmore did the driving and Elaine was in charge of snacks! There were so many laughs and memorable road trips they enjoyed sharing with the family.

Elaine lived life to the fullest and had many hobbies and passions. She was an avid duckpin bowler, having participated in multiple leagues for 50 years. She loved competition. Elaine had a sweet smile and special way about her; however, she was ruthless over a game of gin rummy, pinochle, Candy Land or Scrabble. She came to play and to win whether facing a 94-year-old or 4-year-old. Elaine loved spending time with family, friends, and especially adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Elaine enjoyed traveling the world with her family. Some of her most memorable trips took her abroad to France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Aruba, and Kenya, and domestically to Martha's Vineyard and exploring the southern United States.

Elaine was deeply civic-minded, contributing to and serving her community to help others. She exhibited genuine humility and viewed everyone as an equal. She possessed real generosity to actively lift people up—whether through encouragement, mentorship, or just a little extra grace.

Elaine was a member of a Social club called the Elegant Socialites for over 70 years, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (Columbia Chapter), and Kappa Silhouettes (Baltimore Chapter). She held various offices in these organizations, striving to make a difference and to lead by example.

Elaine loved to dance, shop and strike up conversations with strangers leaving a lasting impression of wisdom, warmth and encouragement wherever she went. She was a genuine people-person who forged lasting relationships.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husbands Clarence J. Harris and Filmore W. Hart; son Larry Harris Sr.; goddaughter Allison Foster, 5 brothers, 4 sisters, her very special nieces Helen Green Vickers and Grace Spry. She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children: Cathy (Spike), Michael, Allyson (André), Jerry (Kendra); her grandchildren: Larry (Deveree), Erin (Tory), Kiarra, David, Kevin, Janine, Lauren, Grant, Chris, Ryan, Charnita, Kevin, Shayn, Jerry Jr., Kedric, Korryn, Korrey; her great- grandchildren: Dez, Nylah, Lynnox, Leila, Aurie, Lowen; her godchildren: Earl, Butch, Katrice, Donte; her lifelong friends: Carol, Marcos, Brenda, Virginia, Shirley, Maria, Tammy. Elaine is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends who will forever cherish her memory.