Elsie Marjorie Griffin Foy was born on May 4, 1928.  She was the second of three children to Lennie Walter Griffin and Nellie Pearl White Griffin of Roanoke, Virginia. She graduated in 1944 from Lucy Addison High School in Roanoke, Virginia and then attended Bennett College where she graduated with a BA in English in 1949.  She was recently recognized on the campus of Bennett College with distinction during her 70 ^th class reunion in 2019.

Elsie's childhood aspirations and musical talents led her to New York City and Broadway. She enrolled at Columbia University to earn a MA in Music Education in 1955 before returning to the South.  She also pursued further studies toward a doctorate degree at Indiana University. In 1953, she arrived in Winston Salem, North Carolina to become a Music Teacher. At her employment audition, she met an accomplished musician, Bernard Foy, who served as her pianist and would later become the love of her life. She accepted the position to teach for one year, but stayed until her retirement. Without a doubt, Elsie and Bernard were a precious duet who left an indelible mark on the arts in the Winston-Salem community-especially public school Music Education. Countless students were nurtured and will forever be grateful for the inspiration they both provided.

Mrs. Foy will always be remembered for her love of God, her love of family, her love of music, and her love of life!  She performed and taught a wide range of genres and styles of music, introducing diverse populations of students and audiences through song and vocal expression.  In addition to her career as a music educator she also presented several solo recitals as a lyric soprano and sang with several church and community choirs (many times as a featured soloist).  Her repertoire mostly included a mastery of art songs, opera arias, chamber works, and spirituals. She was a strong supporter of community music activities and arts organizations, especially the Winston-Salem Symphony, the Arts Council, First Baptist Church Choirs, and she attended musical performances throughout the city until her health declined.

Among her favorite community affiliations include; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated-Phi Omega Chapter, Bennett College W-S Alumnae Chapter, Jack & Jill of America and the Phi Omega Trio. A Gold Star member of First Baptist Church (Highland Avenue) for 69 years this year, she lived out the Biblical command to "teach the little children", planting seeds of Christian love through music.

Mrs. Foy "liked to teach the world (…or at least Winston-Salem…) to sing in perfect harmony'!  She served the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools with distinction for  37 years serving several different schools—most notably Fourteenth Street School, (grades 4-8), Fairview (now J.D. Ashley School) and Columbia Heights before they closed. In 1968, she was also the first African –American Music teacher to integrate both Sherwood Forest and Whitaker Elementary Schools after desegregation

Mrs.  Foy dearly loved children of all ages and was inspired by the life of Christ as He, too, encouraged children.  Her students at Fourteenth Street School in the mid-50's fondly remember the day Mr. Foy proposed to Miss Griffin as he stood on the floor of a crowded auditorium while she stood in the balcony with her chorus!  To their delight…She Said Yes!!  Bernard would later become her "boss" in his role as Music Supervisor for the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools.  Not only would Mr. and Mrs. Foy teach exceptional music skills, they used music education as a metaphor for empowering valued life skills.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death in 1985 by her beloved and adored husband of 28 years, Bernard; her siblings, Walter Griffin, and Reverend Vivian Griffin Powell.

She leaves to cherish fond memories her four children, Bernard Jr.(Judy), Reverend Jocelyn Foy of the home, Leonard (Kara), and Jeanene Foy Chavis (Anthony); six grandchildren: Kayla Hampton (Javaro), Kristin Jackson, Jadin Chavis, Alexia Chavis, Megan Webb and Ella Webb; three great grandchildren (who affectionately called her "GG"): Kelsie Hampton, Jaycin Jackson, and Sadie Hampton; several nieces, nephews, cousins, close relatives, two sisters-in-law, Betty (Edward) Woods and Priscilla (Ronald) Jackson; neighbors, devoted former colleagues and treasured friends including her dearest co-worker and sorority sister of 66 years, Marion ("Midge") Brower.

Heartfelt appreciation are extended to healthcare professional at Trellis Hospice Care, Kindred Care, Home Again; ms Linda Hunt and Mrs. Collene Martin for their exceptional care during her illness.

A public viewing will be held Thursday October 15, 2020 at Hooper Funeral Home. Funeral services will be private. Interment Piedmont Memorial Gardens.