Elsie L. Drummonds

Born to Talmadge Charles and Ethel Marie (Angus) Weekley on December 17, 1931 in Ripley, W. VA. on a snowy winter's evening, Elsie L. Weekley was not expected to survive the night. In fact, no birth certificate was issued her until later in life. Her family moved to Ravenswood, W. VA. where she attended public schools through the eleventh grade. Elsie was the second child born to T.C. and Ethel as her oldest brother, Raymond Leon, died in infancy. As the oldest of four surviving children (and later five), she had a busy life taking care of her younger siblings, involved with many relatives in the area and, in her teen years, held a part time job at Slavens' Department store. Elsie took babysitting jobs for free with homes possessing a piano as through those years she taught herself to play.

She was active in her local church. While serving as a church pianist Elsie met her future husband, Vaughn, while he was traveling with the Owosso Bible College quartet. She transferred to the Academy at Owosso Bible College in the fall of 1950 and married Vaughn Drummonds on Christmas Day later that same year.
In 1951, Elsie finished high school, graduating as valedictorian, then continued her education at Owosso Bible College; later becoming Indiana Wesleyan University. Elsie was invited to join the college trio, The Trebleaires, and traveled and sang representing the college in surrounding states. She graduated from Owosso Bible College with an Associate Degree in Christian Ministries in 1954. While yet in Owosso in 1954 their first child (Jerry) was born.

Within days, they accepted a pastorate in the village of Scottville, Michigan near Ludington. After two years they transferred to Midland, Michigan where they planted a church, and in January of 1958 their second child (Laura Lee) was born. They remained there for three years.

In 1959, Elsie and family moved to Alma, Michigan. Very early on, the church burned literally to the ground. With new facilities built, they had a successful ministry there for eight years.

In 1967, Vaughn and Elsie accepted a call to Battle Creek, Michigan to a church to become known to the community simply as "First Wes". During their eight years at First Wesleyan Church, Elsie coordinated music, facilitated Bible studies, ministered to the youth of the church, entertained myriads of travelers, guest speakers, musicians, and even opened her home to young people in need for extended periods of time. In 1971, Vaughn and Elsie launched a television program out of ABC 41, WUHQ-TV.

"The Wesleyan Singers" television ministry was a weekly half-hour program featuring music and the speaking ministry of Vaughn. The Wesleyan Singers eventually expanded to four regular television stations and approximately 28 cable outlets across the country. The ministry continued for nearly 15 years under the direction of Vaughn and Elsie.

In 1975, her husband was elected District Superintendent to the West Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church. Elsie worked for eight years as administrative assistant in the office of District Superintendent. Additionally, she ministered to pastor's wives—including monthly meetings and one on one counseling. She facilitated Bible studies for women, was involved with the music for district activities, wrote the words and music for over thirty songs, and later recorded many of those songs where she is heard accompanying her favorite ladies' trio on the piano.

Eventually, Vaughn accepted a position at Wesleyan Church Headquarters in Marion, IN. Elsie worked full-time for Nationwide Management in Indianapolis as hostess and receptionist. She traveled extensively with her husband and was a sought-after national speaker heard at many women's events.


In the years that followed, they moved to Western New York where Vaughn served as District Superintendent for twelve years. Elsie served as administrative assistant and secretary during this time. She spent extensive time ministering from the district office directly to pastor's wives and the women of the district. She developed a very large and successful district women's retreat, conducted zone meetings, and counselled pastor's wives.

After 46 years of full-time ministry, Elsie and Vaughn retired. They purchased a home in Jensen Beach, Florida and a condo in Battle Creek, MI on Goguac Lake. Their home became a place of spiritual nourishment and ministry through in-home Bible studies, one on one counseling, as well as email and Facebook outreach.

Working behind the scenes, Elsie was a spiritual giant serving with and behind her husband for their near 69 years of marriage and ministry. In her sweet quiet way, she was a strong impact for the church, the district, and the Lord.

Elsie is survived by her husband Reverend G. Vaughn Drummonds, children Jerry (Kristine) and Laura (Ned); grandchildren Laura Layne (Troy), Jenee Lonielle (Anthony), Lindi Layne (Brent), Holly Laurynn; grandchildren, Kristofer Drew, Jacob Daniel, and Nicolaus David; great grandchildren, Lylianne Vaughn, Myles Dean, Lawson Brandt, M.E. (Madlyn Elsie), Gavin James; great grandchild Kaileb Wayne; siblings Naomi Katherine (Pete), Karen Marie (Richard), Roger Lee (Beverly), Larry Eugene; and sister-in-law Mary Demerly. Elsie was preceded in death by her parents Ethel and Talmadge, and her brothers Raymond Leon and Donald Melvin.

Visitation will be Monday, December 16th, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A funeral service to celebrate Elsie's life will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 17 at the Woodland Church. A private interment will be held at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations in memory of Elsie can be made to 'Final Harvest Ministries' either online at https://finalharvest.us/donation/ or by mail to PO Box 18744, Rochester, NY, 14618. Make check payable to 'Final Harvest'. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.