OWENSBORO, Ky. — Elsie Mae Cecil (née Payne), 91, of Owensboro, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017, under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky at the Heartford House surrounded by her family. Elsie was born on Dec. 3, 1925, in Knottsville, Ky., to the late Raymond and Chelsie Payne.
In her 20’s, she married the love of her life, Vincent Francis Cecil, also of Knottsville. She gave birth to seven sons, one of whom died shortly after childbirth.
Elsie was an active member of Blessed Mother Catholic Church until recent years when her health declined. She loved being outside and harvesting her garden with Vincent and her sons each year. She also was proud of her lawn that showcased many flowering bushes, fruit trees and grapevines. Elsie was a superb cook who blessed her family with many delicious dishes. One of the family’s favorite traditions has been the delectable popcorn balls Elsie gifted family members with each Halloween.
She was preceded in death by her beloved late husband, Vincent Cecil, in 2001; an infant son; three sisters, Willie Mae Cecil, Rosalee Bryant and Bernadette Jones; and a brother, James Dominic Payne.
She is survived by six sons, Vincent (Linda) Cecil and Donnie (Vicki) Cecil, both of Owensboro, Wayne (Vicky) Cecil, of Centertown, Ky., and Kenny (Sheila) Cecil, Marty (Phyllis) Cecil and Perry Cecil, all of Owensboro; her grandchildren, Victoria and Chris Cecil, Brian (Laura) Cecil and Kelli Cecil, Brad (Lauren) and Emily Cecil, Chastity Cecil, Teresa (Fred) Embry and Mindy Lawrence; great-grandchildren Stella Cecil, Cora Cecil, Shelby Jo Cecil, Austin Cecil, Kendall Jennings, Bentley Lawrence and Keelin Lawrence; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. on Monday at Blessed Mother Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. The family of Mrs. Cecil will welcome friends from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday and after 9 a.m. on Monday at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory. Prayers will be said at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Blessed Mother Catholic Church, 601 E. 23rd St., Owensboro, KY 42303. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Share your messages of condolence with the family of Mrs. Cecil at www.haleymcginnis.com.