Elaine Gourick-Peters

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elaine Gourick-Peters on October 1st, 2024. Elaine was a beloved mother and mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Elaine Mildred Walker, born on April 9, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, passed away on October 1, 2024, at the age of 82 in Grayson, Georgia. A woman of grace, style, and boundless love, Elaine leaves behind a legacy of resilience, joy, and connection to her family, community, and heritage. She was the beloved daughter of Fitzgerald Walker of Christ Church, Barbados, and Priscilla Connell of St. George, Nevis, British West Indies. Elaine spent her early years in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, where she shared a room with her mother in Cousin Edith’s brownstone on Halsey Street. Music and creativity were central to her life from a young age, whether playing the piano, singing in the choir at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, or sewing. These early experiences helped shape Elaine into a woman whose spirit was always full of warmth, creativity, and faith. Elaine’s belief in the power of education was unwavering. While raising her daughter, Robyn, she attended night school and earned an Associate’s Degree in Business along with a certificate in stenography. Her determination and hard work allowed her to embark on multiple successful careers, including as a New York City Court Reporter, Administrative Assistant at a European bank, Software Specialist for Digital Equipment, Art Dealer, and Realtor. Throughout her life, Elaine demonstrated incredible adaptability, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence in everything she did. Elaine’s love story with Trevor Peters began at a Fete on Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Trevor, born in Trinidad but raised in Brooklyn, shared Elaine’s love of Caribbean culture, travel, and sports. Their connection grew into a lifelong bond, and the two married in 1989. Together, they created a life filled with laughter, love, and shared adventures. In a pivotal move that influenced many, Elaine transferred from Digital Equipment’s New York office to its Alpharetta, Georgia, office, a decision that encouraged her daughter, other family members, and friends to follow her to Metro Atlanta. Elaine’s ability to build community was felt not just in Georgia, but wherever she went, creating a sense of togetherness that inspired everyone around her. Elaine’s social gatherings were legendary. Her Memorial Day weekend Caribbean parties were filled with vibrant music, delicious food, and cherished memories. Equally memorable were her Christmas parties, where guests were enveloped in Elaine’s warmth and hospitality, ensuring that everyone felt the love she so freely shared. Elaine’s passion for fashion was undeniable, and she was truly a fashion icon. Her signature look—black attire, large-framed glasses, and bold red lipstick—was both timeless and unmistakable. Elaine’s style was sophisticated and inspired by the elegance of designer Oleg Cassini, whose designs for former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy captivated her. Much like Cassini’s creations, Elaine’s presence was chic, graceful, and polished, and she wore her confidence like a crown. Elaine’s greatest pride, however, was being a loving and devoted mother to her daughter, Robyn. She raised Robyn to believe that hard work and faith could make anything possible. Together, they shared a deep love of fashion, theater and music, often attending Broadway shows with 2-for-1 tickets and dancing to the O’Jays in front of the mirror. Elaine’s favorite artists—Nina Simone, Tito Puente, Barbra Streisand, The O’Jays, Carole King, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, and John Legend provided the soundtrack to a life filled with joy and laughter. Elaine was predeceased by Trevor Peters. She is survived by her daughter, Robyn, and husband Michael Morais; her grandchildren, Kyle Wesley, Bryce Lorenzo, and Sasha Elena Julieta; sister, Clarissa Rennix; nieces, Katrina Williams, Kenetta "Cissy" Clark-Berthoumieux, Keisha Clark-Adeeko (Bola), Sabrina Wood, Patrice Wilson (Terry), Linda Matthews, Tamara Bowen (Vincent), and Cynthia Eytina; nephews, Kenneth Clark, and Preston Martin (Tahnee); Godson Tyrone Butler (Brasai); sisters-in-law, Josephine Clark and Georgianna Martin; extended family-daughter, Lisa Gardner (Greg), and a host of cousins and dear friends including many of her Stone Mountain neighbors. She will be remembered for her elegance, warmth, and her ability to bring people together. Her love, grace, and style will continue to inspire all who knew her. Our family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support during this difficult time. The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 19th at 11:00 AM at the Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 914 Scenic Hwy S., Lawrenceville, GA. This service will be recorded and streamed live. If the event is interrupted at any time due to technical issues, the entire event will be uploaded and available to view later in the day. Please copy and paste the link to share, or simply click on the link to view the event. https://vimeo.com/event/4659333 After the service, please join us at our home, 1721 Silvergrass Lane, Grayson, GA, as we celebrate a life well lived with food, drink, music, and reflection.

Tributes

Elaine Gourick-Peters

April 9, 1942 - October 1, 2024