On a glorious day in October the Lord saw fit to bless this world with a beautiful bouncing baby girl, Elvie Vernita Rollins. The year was 1953, day 8, and Edwill Rollins Sr. and Maudine Rollins welcomed their first of two children. Upon entry she was a forced to be reckoned with.

A very sure and active young student, she excelled early @ W. A. Peete Elementary School participating in all the arts. Her attendance at A. T. Stewart Middle School was where her passion for teaching was born. Elvie was a natural teachers aid. Always assisting in peer-to-peer tutoring, passing out/collecting papers, and greeting every student upon entry because of course she was the first student in class. High School was to follow. She attended the Illustrious Emmett J. Scott High School (her words) until its closing (her Junior year) in 1970. Integration had forced its closing and zoning had placed her at Robert E. Lee High School. And the forced continued. There she became the first Black Drill Team member.

While a Scottie she met this charismatic, tall, dark, and handsome gentleman (her words) Michael Don. Although they dated while @ Scott the school closing separated them sending them to opposite sides of the city. Their love remained strong and after graduating from UT Tyler, they married on April 11, 1977, and to this marriage two daughters were born. Valerie and Che'Nitta.

Supporting herself through UT was afforded by working at Brookshires Grocery in the Westwood Shopping Center. But she always had her eyes on educating our young people. So, after 12 years she entered the educational system subbing at TISD schools. After much persistence she finally landed her dream teaching job @ John Tyler High School. During her nearly 20-year tenure at John Tyler, she educated the students on proper hand placement on the home room keys in Keyboarding 1&2. Elvie also lended her dance expertise as a Cheer sponsor and coach for a number of years. Educating those young people was her passion . Those students became our extended family. Even after she left JT pretending to retire her love for educating would not let her rest, and she joined the staff @ Premier Charter School. Here her impact on students would come full circle educating the children of some of her past students. She finally retired from teaching in 2019. But a dear friend would convince her to help sub @ Promise academy only 3 months after announcing retirement.

Elvie gave her life to Christ at an early age. She was a dedicated member of the St. Louis Missionary Baptist Church until her passing. Elvie was affectionately known as Ms. G to the youth at St. Louis and the community. She not only served as a youth Director at St. Louis she also worked tirelessly with the OETBA, TESBC, one of the originators of the Black History Bowl, Relay for Life American Cancer Society, Served as the Sunday School superintendent, Staff member w/ VBS. Co- Coordinator for the Graduation reception. Elvie loved to pour into and cheer on the youth at St. Louis. She had a soft spot for youth and young adults serving as a surrogate for so many.

Elvie was left to mourn the loss of her parents Edwill Rollins Sr. and Maudine Rollins, brother Edwill Rollins Jr., better known as Chico, and husband Michael Don Givens. Left to continue her legacy are her daughters Valerie and Che'Nitta Givens, grand children Sharnae Rivers (Chase); Michael Givens-Washington, Raven Washington; great-grand children Rylei and Camille Rivers; Brayden Henry; Bonus mother Geraldine Rollins; bonus sister Tanya Dunn Blaylock; one aunt Carrie Rollins; 14 nieces and nephews; 7 in-laws, some very special cousins and a host of family and close friends.