Groveland City Council Members, City Officials, family, friends, and neighbors of the late Elese Tomlin celebrated the groundbreaking of the Elese Tomlin Center, a one-story, 24-ft. by 36-ft. computer lab/study hall that will provide Groveland youths positive change and increase employment opportunities through education and study.
The Tomlin family originally owned the property of the future computer center, located on the corner of Gadsen and South Street, Groveland. The naming of the computer center after the late Elese Tomlin is a well-deserved, posthumous recognition for Groveland’s long-time resident and role model for the youth of Groveland.
Elese, the oldest of 12 children, moved to Groveland nearly 100 years ago, met her late husband, Eddie Tomlin, and had two children. She did her daily housekeeping chores until she was 102 years old. Mary Harris, the granddaughter of Elese Tomlin said her grandmother would say, “There isn’t a lazy bone in my body”. When she died at 107 years old, she left behind daughter Bernice Louise Harris of Groveland, sister Julia Dorsey and brother James Harris; six grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 43 great-great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-great-grandchildren.
She was a founder and active member of the Greater Harmony Missionary Baptist Church for over 60 years. She sang in the choir, served in the deaconess ministry and raised money for the church. “She laid down an example for us to follow,” said Rev. Billy Lock.
Mayor Dina Sweatt opened the groundbreaking ceremony. She introduced the attending family members of Elese Tomlin and ask Rev. Billy Lock to bless the dedication.
Councilmembers John Griffin and Mike Radzik spoke on the importance of community pride and how the new learning facility can bring opportunities for the youth in the community.
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