Obituary of Elaine Gemma Pile

Elaine Gemma Pile, fondly known as “Gemmy” transitioned on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at the age of 86 at Overlook Hospital, Summit, New Jersey. She was born on April 18, 1937 in Georgetown, Guyana to the late John Walcott and Beulah Ferriera. Her siblings were Allan, Terrance and Pamela.

She was educated and graduated from Sacred Heart Primary School and St. Joseph’s High School.  Thereafter, she studied shorthand and typing and secured employment at the office of an Attorney.

In 1958, she married the love of her life Ivan John Pile for 61 years, until he departed this earthly life in March 2019.  To this union were born four wonderful children: Camille, Julian, Roxanne and June.  She was a faithful member of Brickdam Catholic Church in Georgetown, Guyana where she worshipped for many years. 

She migrated to the United States in August 1992 to reside with her daughter Roxanne and her family in Brooklyn, New York and later relocating to Piscataway, New Jersey in October 1992. She attended North Stelton AME Church for Worship Services and special events between 2004 -2019.

Gemmy would begin her day in devotion and communicating with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ while reading scriptures, listening or singing some of her favorite Songs of Zion. Namely, How Great Thou Art, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, Amazing Grace, Great Is Thy Faithfulness and In The Garden. 

Thereafter, she would be picked up by the dedicated staffs’ at Parkers Transportation to attend their Adult Day Program where she spent several hours per week crafting, playing bingo, watching movies and fellowshipping with their staffs’ and her peers.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother who cared deeply for her family through the preparation of delectable and mouthwatering meals, ensuring clothes were washed before sunrise and line dried by sunset, and maintaining a clean and welcoming home for all to dwell.  She also enjoyed sending Get Well, Christmas & Birthday cards to others, reading, drawing, listening to oldies and coloring. In addition, she loved to watch Soap Operas, Law and Order and Western movies.  

She leaves to cherish her memories Camille Lewis, Julian Pile, Roxanne McPhoy (Doug), June Moore (Selwyn).  Five grandchildren - Justin Lewis, Dillon Pile, LaTonya McPhoy-Saunders, Deandra McPhoy and Thea Vickorie.  Seven great grandchildren - Jessica & Jaykayda Lewis, Daniel, Azariah & Jizell Pile, Amyah Jackson and John Douglas Saunders.