Elsie Scales was the sole daughter of the James and Lula Scales marital union. Elsie had two  brothers,  James, Jr. and  Edward Scales, but no sisters. Elsie was a lifetime resident of Winston-Salem, although other members of the  family migrated to and lived in other parts of the country at different times. Elsie was born on May 5, 1931 and died on March 1, 2022. Between those two dates, she lived a meaningful, though not always enjoyable life.

Elsie suffered an attack of Polio at an early age in life and endured that illness gracefully for many years. She never allowed her handicap to rob her of living or to sap the joy out of her life. She seldom spoke of her condition and never complained about it.

Elsie was a member of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church for over sixty five years and was active in her attendance and participation for many of those years.

Elsie lived a simple, single life during her entire existence, but she never seemed to be alone or lonely. Although she never married, she cherished the family life of her parents and brothers, the religious life of her fellow church members, the community life and comradery of her fellow residents, the social life of her friends, two of the closest being Brenda Taft and  Bonnie Henderson, and the custodial life and care of her long-time caretaker, Reverend Doctor James D. Ballard.

Though Elsie was neither a celebrity nor a socialite, she was a very caring and cared-for person. She will be sorely missed by many and remembered by many more. Like Christ admonished, she did much good while it was day. Now the night which she knew was coming has come, and she can no longer work.

"Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many. Enter thou into the joy of your Lord.''

A viewing will be held from 2:00pm until 5:00pm Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Thursday, March 10, 2022 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be held at 3:00pm Friday, March 11, 2022 in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.