Elta "Elaine" O'Quinn, 91, of Yulee, was quietly called home to be with her Lord on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017.
She was born May 19, 1925, on a farm in rural Toronto, Kan., the youngest of eight, and lived there until she was 18. She attended local schools and graduated from Neal High School, Class of 1943. After graduating, she moved to Wichita, Kan., to live with her sister Dorine to seek employment with Boeing Aircraft. She was declined because they felt she was too small, but she still came back every day until they said they would hire her. Her job was to rivet the floor of the pilot's seat on the B29. Women worked so the men could go fight the war. When the war ended in 1945, the women were terminated so that men could get their jobs back. Working women who held men's jobs during the war are recognized as Rosie the Riveters. Elaine was not just a Rosie but she was an actual riveter, a fact that she was very proud of. She would not consider getting married until the war ended for fear of becoming a widow. As soon as the war ended, the love of her life, Navyman James O'Quinn, went to her and said, "Elaine, the war is over, so we can get married." They were married on Sept. 30, 1945, and were married 47 years before his passing.
Christmas was her favorite time of year. She took weeks to decorate and cook to entertain family and friends with numerous parties. Her whole house had many decorations, including up to 23 themed Christmas trees.
Elaine is survived by her two daughters, Sandra O'Quinn and Sue Kittrell; four grandchildren, Linn Owen, James Owen (wife, Bobbi), Jeffrey Owen and Kimberly Carter McNeely (husband, Johnnie); 10 great-grandchildren, Brandon, Logan, Cortlinn and Jordan Pay, Jeffrey, Taylar and Halie Owen, Nicholas and Tyler McNeely, and Cassadie Owen; great-great-grandchild, Isabella Pay, and one in the oven; godchild, Kelley Harrison; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carlyle and Elta Mae (Linn) Smith; husband, James; four sisters, Pauline Hanson, Vera Smith, Meryl Sanders (twin) and Dorine Hamilton; three brothers, Donald Smith, Beryl Smith (twin) and Gerald Eugene "Gene" Smith; niece, LaDena Sanders; nephew, Joe Sanders; and son-in-law, William "Billy" Kittrell.
Mother left this world knowing she was loved, and words cannot express the impact she made on our lives, niece, Mila George (husband, Tom) and others. We will always remember her sweet Christian spirit and love for her family. She appreciated her life and the many blessings from God.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at Celebration Baptist Church, 85520 Miner Road, Yulee. Interment will follow in Bosque Bello Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, if so desired, memorial donations may be made to the Building Fund of her church, Celebration Baptist Church.
To sign Mrs. O'Quinn's online register book, please visit the Green Pine Funeral Home website.
Arrangements by Green Pine Funeral Home.
Green Pine Funeral Home