Elouise Balcom

Elouise Balcom wasnt just a homemaker, she was a professional mom and grandma! Filled with love for her family, Elouise truly made them the center of her life. Whether it was with her siblings, her children, or her grandchildren, Elouise was never happier than when surrounded by those she loved. Elouise was born on December 7, 1923, in Tiptionville, Tennessee. Although her proud parents, Robert Jackson and Ruby Irene (Taylor) Williams, named her Frieda Elouise, in the years to come she would always go by Elouise. At first Elouise was an only child, but she was soon joined by siblings Dorothy, Marion, Joan and Billy. Elouises parents both worked as cotton pickers, but barely made enough to get by dirt poor, as Elouise would reminisce in later years. As a result, all the children helped out on the farm in order to make ends meet. Elouise attended school through the eighth grade, in a one-room schoolhouse. Some of her best friends from this time of her life were Capitola Dial, Maxine, and her nephew Tommy Williams. Elouise always looked forward to Easter as a child, when everyone would gather at Capitolas house for a big Easter egg hunt. When Elouise was nineteen years old, she married her sweetheart Cyril Corpe. After their marriage on June 20, 1942, Elouise and Cyril settled down to raise a family in Muskegon, Michigan. Less than a year later, Elouise and Cyril were delighted by the birth of a baby girl, whom they named Carol. Sadly, Cyril died in a tragic accident while he was still a young man. After Elouise had struggled as single mom for a few years, her life was brightened by meeting a man named Ralph Balcom. Elouise and Ralph discovered that they shared many interests, and their friendship soon deepened into love. The happy couple was married in 1944. It wasnt long before Carol had some brothers and sisters to play with: Jim, Jack, Roger, Joyce, and Jerry joined the Balcom family one by one (or by two, as was the case for Joyce and Jerry!). Elouise was a wonderful mother, very caring and nurturing. Even though the family didnt have a lot, she was able to create a warm and loving home. Elouise was often in the kitchen, baking or cooking, and the whole family loved her delicious pies. Fun-loving and energetic, she made every day fun for herself and her family. Elouise didnt have much time for hobbies in those years she was a full-time momma! She did enjoy listening to music, however, and often tuned the radio in to big band, country, or Elvis. She also loved dancing, and relished occasions which included a dance floor and a band. Elouise loved spending time with her family, and many of her favorite memories were of family gatherings. Some of these happy memories included family picnics on the lake and Christmas Eve. Elouise also enjoyed getting together with friends, especially her good friends Hilda and Ernst Lieb. After Elouises kids had grown up and she wasnt so busy around the house, she decided to finish the education that she had started so many years ago in the one-room schoolhouse. She worked hard, and at the age of 51 she proudly accepted her GED certificate. Elouise also maintained a wonderful relationship with her mother, Ruby Williams. They were always very close and enjoyed each other's company. In fact, they lived near, or even with each other for nearly 30 years! Elouise Balcom passed away on April 18, 2012. Kind, loving, and blessed with a great sense of humor, Elouise was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a true friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her dear friends and beloved family members. Mrs. F. Elouise Balcom, age 88, died Wednesday, April 18, 2012. She was born in Tiptonville, TN on December 7, 1923 to Robert & Ruby (Taylor) Williams and married Cyril Corpe on June 20, 1942 and then later married Ralph Balcom in 1944. She was a homemaker. SURVIVORS Daughters, Carol Caris, Joyce (Rick Tardani) Smith; sons, Jack (Tris Rushing) Balcom, Roger (LaSchelle) Balcom, Jerry Balcom; 13 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Smith, Joan (Charlie) Vida; brother, Billy (Sherry) Williams; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Balcom; numerous nieces & nephews; family friends, Bonnie Colgrove, Kathie. She was preceded in death by her husbands; son, Jim; sister, Marion; great grandson, Josiah DelPercio. SERVICE Monday, April 23, 2012, 11:00 AM and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Interment at Restlawn Cemetery. MEMORIAL: To the family. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Life Story- Muskegon