Elva A. Ussery

Elva Ann Ussery (McLean) passed into the hands of our Lord on September 15, 2020. She was 85 at the time of her death due to natural causes. Elva was a longtime resident of Corpus Christi, Texas. She was born in Barry, Texas, located in Navarro County on December 11, 1934 to Paul Emmitt McLean and Thelma Leola Deason (Rayburn) both deceased. Elva was a good sister to her brothers James Paul (deceased), Delmar McLean and sister Sandi Simmons. She met the love of her life, Jack Ussery, a sailor from Perry County Arkansas, while he was stationed at Cabaniss Field in Corpus Christi. Elva and Jack married on January 11, 1952 and spent the next 68 years making a wonderful life for their family. Elva graduated from W.B. Ray High School in May 1952. They welcomed a daughter Jackie Lee into the family in August 1952, but lost her early in life. Elva was the proud mother of three sons: Steven Frank Ussery (Rosalinda De Leon), Richard Lee Ussery and Thomas Alan Ussery (Sara Nebeling); Grandmother to four grandchildren: Jackie Lea and Jerry Alan of California; Geoffrey Leigh and Terrence Alan of Texas. She has five great-grandchildren living in California. Elva has numerous nephews and nieces throughout Texas.

Elva traveled the United States and the World as a Navy wife. Her ports of call were New Orleans, Charleston, Long Beach, Guam, and Panama to name a few. While on the island of Guam, one of Elva’s greatest achievements was that she became an American Red Cross 50-mile swimmer and was a certified Lifesaver. During her time in Panama she began her civil service career as a clerk for the Army and Navy. Upon returning to the United States, she continued her career with the Federal Aviation Administration in Corpus Christi. Elva received a Bachelor of Accounting degree in 1984 from Corpus Christi State University and proceeded to sit for the CPA exam, passing on the first try. She finished her civil service career in 1996 as an accountant for the Chief of Naval Air Training at NAS Corpus Christi.

In retirement Elva was active at the Corpus Christi Art Center until she was unable to paint. Elva had a love for all animals, with dogs and birds being her favorite. Throughout her life she had many dachshunds that brought much enjoyment to her life. Elva was particularly fond of parrots including Loco who came with them from Panama and Smokey Joe an African Grey.

Elva will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Gulf Coast Humane Society in her name. The family would like to send a special Thank You to Sandi and Leann Simmons who provided care and comfort to “Sister” through her final year.

Elva’s memorial service will be held at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel on 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2020. A live-stream will be available below.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.