Elsie Elizabeth McMurry Tawes, 92, of Crisfield, passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at her home.

She was born in Morganfield, KY on October 2, 1924 to George Thomas and Mary Estell Mauzy McMurry.

Mrs. Tawes was a retired teacher having taught for 25 years. She received her B.S. degree from George Peabody College for Teachers, now Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, TN. After her marriage to Robert on December 24, 1945, she moved to Crisfield, MD where she taught for 24 years.

She was a member of Immanuel United Methodist Church and was active in the children's department, M.Y.F. and the Ever Ready Sunday School Class. She served on the Official Board and chaired the committee to raise funds to refurbish the pipe organ. She was active in the Nanticoke Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution where she had served as Regent, Secretary, and Reporter. She was also a member of the Somerset County Retired Teachers for whom she had served as Treasurer for ten years.

Mrs. Tawes' greatest joys were her family, home, and students. Her door was always open for company and there was always room for one more at the dining table. For 20 years, she was her husband's sailing mate.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Robert Lee Tawes; three sons, George D. Tawes and wife Patricia, Robert M. Tawes and wife Bonnie, and John P. Tawes, III and wife Jenny, all of Crisfield; three grandchildren, Gregory D. Tawes and wife Jessica, of Berlin, Lori B. Riggin and husband Adam, and John P. "Jack" Tawes, IV, all of Crisfield; four great-grandchildren, Kennedy Tawes Riggin, Autumn Elise Riggin, Nathan Douglas Tawes, and Lucas Robert Tawes; brother, William T. McMurry and his wife Pat; nieces and nephews, Col. William T. McMurry, Jr. and wife Lee, Carol McMurry Drury and husband Bob, Robert Greenwell and wife Kathy, Bill Greenwell and wife Sharon, David Greenwell and wife Patty, John Greenwell and wife Margaret, and Stephanie T. Fykes and husband Larry; and numerous grand nieces and grand nephews.

Mrs. Tawes leaves behind many good friends and also a special friend, Sharon D. Reilly and husband Jim.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sarah McMurry Greenwell and husband R. Eugene "Gene"; nephew, James Greenwell.

Mrs. Tawes had many excellent and loving caregivers over the years. Her most recent caregivers were Laura Parks, Kendra M Payne, Dianna Howard, Carolyn Sheedy, and Colleen Mason.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 2 PM at Immanuel United Methodist Church. The Rev. Paul Holland will officiate. Private urn interment will be at a later date in St. Paul's Cemetery in Marion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Immanuel United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, c/o Robert H Bradshaw, Jr., 306 W. Main St., Crisfield, MD 21817, the Lower Somerset County Ambulance Squad, P.O. Box 406, Crisfield, MD 21817, or to your favorite charity.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home. To send condolences to the family, please visit our website at www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com.