About Mama Elsie’s Cheesecake

A little about Mama Elsie… Mrs. Elsie Jones was born on August 21, 1925 to the union of Alex and Ocie Mae Joy in Bolivar, Tennessee. She was educated in the Hardeman County School District and graduated from Allen White High School. Elsie moved to East St. Louis in the early 1950’s. She was always full of laughter and always had words of wisdom. Elsie was one of the most giving people that you could meet, and would give anyone her last dime. She loved helping people who were less fortunate and needed to be inspired. Her employment with Sunline Candy made her popular as she will be remembered for giving candy and treats to family and friends. Elsie had a loving spirit and would tell you exactly what was on her mind without hesitation. Her cooking skills were outstanding and every Sunday, she would bake a cake or pie.

If you walked inside her home and she was cooking, you had to sit down to eat whether you were hungry or not. Not only did her love and wisdom uplift those around her, she will be remembered for her “sweet” giving spirit. She lived a long and wonderful life, but is truly missed. I remember asking my grandmother, around the age of fifteen, Why are you not selling your cheesecake in the grocery stores? Because I loved them so much. And she just looked at me, winked and smiled saying, “That’s so sweet baby, but grandma doesn’t have time for all that! Well, Grandma, I know you’re looking down and you’re proud. Just know that I WILL get us there!!!