Elizabeth Swilley McElveen - Obituary

aggie Elizabeth Swilley McElveen was born on September 19, 1931, in Lamont, Florida, the eighth of nine children born to Alvin Nathaniel Swilley and Phillis Evans Swilley, beloved and respected leaders in the Jackson County, FL community. On January 5, 2026, at the age of 94, Liz peacefully passed into eternal rest, entering the presence of her Lord and Savior and reuniting with loved ones who preceded her. Maggie was the last living sibling of nine. She was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: Sylvia Serena, Lawrence Sims, Willia Mae, Alvin Nathaniel Jr., Henry Alphonse, Earnest Fredrick, Gwendolyn Inez, and Benjamin Holbert. From an early age, Liz displayed deep faith, strong character, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. She accepted Christ at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Marianna, Florida, beginning a lifelong journey of service and devotion. Maggie attended school in Marianna and graduated from Jackson County Training School, where she developed her love for basketball. She went on to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College (FAMC, now FAMU) earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education with a minor in Science in 1953. A gifted athlete and leader, Maggie (CAP) starred on FAMU’s Girls Varsity Basketball team from 1949 to 1952, sharing top scoring honors and earning a starting position as a freshman. In recognition of her athletic excellence and enduring impact, she was inducted into the FAMU Basketball Hall of Fame on November 13, 1998. In September 1953, Maggie returned to Marianna and began her teaching career with the Jackson County School District. That same year, she met Second Lieutenant David Henry McElveen, who was completing pilot training for the United States Air Force. They were married in 1954, beginning a devoted partnership that would span 59 years. As the wife of a career United States Air Force officer, Liz embraced military life with grace, strength, and uncommon leadership. The McElveen family was stationed at numerous posts throughout the United States and abroad, including Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma; Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas; Neubiberg Air Base in Munich, Germany; Andrews Air Force Base in Allentown, Maryland; and Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville, North Carolina. At each assignment, Liz became a pillar of both the military and civilian communities. She supported young service members and their families, mentored fellow military spouses, organized community programs, and created a sense of home wherever duty called. Liz’s leadership, compassion, and tireless service did not go unnoticed. In 1973, Liz was honored as Air Force “Wife of the Year,” a recognition that reflected not only her devotion to her own family but also her extraordinary commitment to the broader Air Force community. During the family’s years at Andrews Air Force Base and Pope Air Force Base, Liz’s influence was especially profound. She served as President of the Officers’ Wives Club, known for her organizational skill, warm hospitality, and her ability to build bridges between military leadership, civilian communities, and families. Her presence strengthened every base community she touched and left a lasting imprint of unity, faith, and excellence. While building a remarkable career and life of service, Liz’s and David’s greatest joy was their family. Their first child, Gwendolyn Oinetté McElveen, was born in Enid, Oklahoma, while the family was stationed at Vance Air Force Base. Two years later, while living overseas in Neubiberg, Munich, Germany, Liz gave birth to their son, David Quintin McElveen. Liz’s professional career as an educator spanned over thirty years across Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, California, North Carolina, Germany, and Maryland. She served in numerous leadership roles including: • Head Basketball Coach at Union Grove High School, Greenwood, Florida • Coach of girls’ youth basketball for the United States Air Force, Munich, Germany • Administrative professional at Dudley High School, Greensboro, North Carolina • Director and Coordinator of Girls’ Intramural Sports at Markham Junior High School, Los Angeles, California • Developer of the Pilot Program for Co-Ed Physical Education in Prince George’s County, Maryland • The first Co-Ed Physical Education instructor in Prince George’s County • Vocational Service Technician across 20 Prince George’s County high schools • Coordinator of the Prince George’s County Foundation for Automotive & Construction Technology for Students (FACTS) Program at Crossland High School, where students built and furnished a complete home under the supervision of professional contractors annually Liz retired from the Prince George’s County Public School System in 1997, leaving behind generations of students shaped by her leadership, discipline, and care. Her devotion to Florida A&M University remained constant throughout her life. A lifelong and Associate Life Member of the FAMU Alumni Association, Liz served the DC Chapter for decades as Chapter Cheerleader, Parliamentarian, Scholarship Committee Co-Chair, and was affectionately known as “The Button Lady.” Her spirited orange button campaign during FAMU’s 1997 to 1998 “College of the Year” recognition became legendary and symbolized her enduring Rattler pride. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Liz was a devoted member of Fort Foote Baptist Church in Fort Washington, Maryland, for over 40 years. Known lovingly by her pastor as “Queen Elizabeth,” she served faithfully in many ministries including the Chancel Choir, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Nominating Committee, Prime Timers Ministry, Caring Hearts of Hope Cancer Support Ministry, and the D.O.V.E. Ministry for widows and widowers. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Liz was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Deacon David Henry McElveen, retired Colonel, United States Air Force. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Gwendolyn Oinetté Pleasant and David Quintin McElveen; her five granddaughters, Kate Elizabeth Pleasant (Lakisha Hemsley), Karyn Eileen Pleasant, Krysten Pleasant Lamb (Jonathan Lamb), Kelley Erin Pleasant (Malaika Price), and Kendra Enid Pleasant; her five great-grandchildren, James Oliver IV, Amaya Dominique, Roger Isaiah, Joi Katherine, and Bryson Mack; a son-in-love James Keith Pleasant (Eileen), a brother-in-law, Wesley McElveen (Essie), and sisters-in-law, Rosa Jo McWhite, Elizabeth Swilley and Erma Swilley/Hines along with a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, extended family, friends, former students, and all whose lives she touched. Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life that was beautifully lived, faithfully served, and richly given in love. “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excelleth them all.” Proverbs 31:28-29 Relatives and friends are invited to Elizabeth's Life Celebration on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 10 A.M. until the start of the service at 11 A.M. at Fort Foote Baptist Church, 8310 Fort Foote Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744. Interment to be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.