Lifelong Shinnecock resident Elsie Kellis Smith Booker of the Shinnecock Indian Nation died on August 9 at her home. The oldest living Shinnecock woman, she was 96.
Born March 15, 1912, on the reservation to David and Marguerite Kellis, she was a dedicated member of the tribe and, according to survivors, a very determined person. She was a devout member and one of the first women elders of the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church. A cook for Villa Maria, and for Foulke & Foulke, she also rowed across Heady Creek with Jimmy Hunter to cook at the H.H. Rogers Estate.
The matriarch of five generations, she always had room in her heart for her large family and was affectionately known as “Nanny.” Family recalled this week that she was especially happy to have her family gathered on her waterfront lawn for occasions when love and laughter abounded.
She is survived by a daughter, Dorothy and her husband Avery Dennis Sr.; a sister, Eva Smith; a daughter-in-law, Gloria Smith; a sister-in-law, Corrine Kellis; 14 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; 27 great-great-grandchildren; and two godchildren, Dr. Eva Smith-Chase and Leigh Franklin. In addition she is survived by a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Her first husband, Lorillard Smith; a son, Lorillard Smith Jr.; three grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two brothers; three sisters; and her second husband, Hardway Booker, all predeceased her.
Visitation and funeral services were held on August 12 at the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church, with the Reverend Michael Smith officiating. Interment followed at Shinnecock Cemetery.
on Aug 13, 2008