Mary "Elaine" Elaine Moore Keith, 83 of Wilmington, NC passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. She was born on March 11, 1941, to Glenn Rowe Moore and Ethel Virginia Peterson Moore in Wilmington, NC. Elaine graduated from New Hanover High School in 1959 and went on to pursue a degree in nursing – a passion that would inspire her the rest of her life. She met her husband of 61 years, Gene, a co-worker of her aunt. They quickly fell in love after their first date on Valentine's Day in 1963 and got married in July of that same year. Their journey together took them to Jacksonville, Florida where Gene was working and thus started the beginning of many adventures together.

Eventually, Elaine and her family settled back in her hometown where she and Gene raised their two kids – Lynn and Brian. Her passion for helping young children and nursing lead her to open an at home daycare where she helped raise generations of kids who still keep in touch. Throughout her life, Elaine was a role model and never gave up on her dreams. Years after leaving nursing school, Elaine went back to school to become a certified nursing assistant, where she brought love and comfort to her patients.

Known to taking on many roles, Elaine eventually took on the role of Grandma. Visits to Grandma and Granddaddy's house where frequented by fresh Toll House cookies, Christmas cookie baking and decorating (an event which took up the entire kitchen and dining room), playground visits and walks to Venus fly traps, and songs in the morning to wake you up. She was incredibly silly and sweet and would frequently be seen laughing at something her husband or family said.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Walter "Gene" Eugene Keith; daughter, Lynn Keith Policastro and son-in-law, T. John Policastro of Raleigh; her son, Brian Keith and daughter-in-law, Koko Nomura of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth Policastro, Maddie Policastro, Austin Nomura Keith, and Miles Nomura Keith; and her brother, Glenn Rowe Moore, Jr. and sister-in-law, Linda Kay Moore of Wilmington, NC; numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws who loved her dearly.

A memorial service will be held at Winter Park Baptist Church in Wilmington on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 2pm with Pastor Mike Womble officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A private interment will be at Riley's Creek Cemetery in Rocky Point, NC at a later date.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home – Wilmington

910-794-7171