Elsie Irene York was born November 24, 1929 and departed this life Sunday, March 21, 2021 reaching the age of 91 years. She was the daughter of the late Osbin and Ernestine (Conley) York.

She is survived by: her brother, Bobby (Katy) York; along with a host nieces and nephews, friends, and former students who mourn her passing.

In addition to her parents, Osbin and Ernestine York, she was preceded in death by:  her sisters, Virginia Poe and Elgie York; and brothers, Tommy. Alvin, James, and William York.

Elsie devoted her life to education and her family. Elsie began teaching via a special workshop program after graduating from Wayne County High School  in 1947. She took her first teaching job at the Rocky Hill school followed by tenures at Big Sinking School, Cooper School, and Murl school before fulfilling the remainder of her 43-year career in town with the Wayne County School District.  During that time, she attended Eastern Kentucky University to obtain her B.S. in Education, her Master's Degree in Education and her Rank 1.

Her students were her purpose for over 40 years. She will be remembered by her students for teaching phonics with her friend, Soundy the Elf, and writing with the sentence "A quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog." She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 26, 2021 between 11 am – 2 pm in the chapel of the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Friday, March 26, 2021 at 2 pm at the Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Beck Cemetery.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation and upon recommendations from the Governor's Office for Funeral Homes, there will be some restrictions for service attendance. You are asked to please wear a mask or facial covering and observe the social distancing guidelines. No communal food or drinks are allowed at this time. Please feel free to sign the online guestbook or send a private condolence message through our website.

Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.