Elvera M Ransom

Elvera Madlyn (Sneed) Ransom, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend, was born along with her (late) twin brother Elbert in Boston, MA on September 20, 1929. Elvera was the third of six children born to Albert T. Sneed and Annie J. (Kelley) Sneed. Elvera grew up in Everett, MA and graduated from Everett High School in 1947.  She developed a passion for accounting early on—so much so that her high school yearbook caption reads “Credit and debit, profit and loss. Never worry, Elvera’s boss. He knows she’s quiet, efficient and neat. And, for accuracy can’t be beat!”

Elvera was meticulous throughout her life, and pursued excellence in all her endeavors. After graduating from Bryant and Stratton Business Institute (Boston, MA), Elvera worked as a secretary at New England Mutual Life Insurance Co., Boston, MAY until 1960. During her marriage to Earl L. “Kenny” Ransom, her second son (Earl Jr.) was born. She was employed as Office Manager for Lovering-Sawyer Inc. (Boston/Chelsea, MA) and later, the Marco Tomato Co. (Chelsea, MA) before answering her true calling as Chief Financial Officer and Program Manager of the Boston Sickle Cell Center in Boston, MA.

Elvera wore numerous hats during her 35+ year tenure at the Boston Sickle Cell Center, and zealously advocated for the patients and their families. She was the “go to” person for all the Center’s needs. In addition to her core responsibilities, she organized fundraisers, traveled across the country speaking at conferences, wrote and solicited program grants, created internship opportunities for high school students, and developed support groups for patients and families. Elvera partnered the Sickle Cell Center with the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and Make A Wish Foundation to sponsor events for disadvantaged children. 

When Elvera wasn’t working, she was shopping. Every Saturday, Elvera would set out in search of a new outfit in her favorite downtown Lynn or Chelsea Square boutiques. Later, she could be seen cruising around town in “Foxy Lady”—her prized white Cadillac Coupe DeVille with burgundy trim, named after its vanity license plate. Folks would lovingly remark “here comes Foxy Lady” when she arrived. No one could be sure if that reference was to the car, or to Elvera. 

Elvera was a life-long, member of Emmanuel Baptist Church (Malden, MA) where she served in a variety of positions (Sunday School teaching assistant, Audit Committee Chairperson, Building Council member). In 2015, Elvera was recognized as a “Woman that Matters” by Emmanuel’s Women’s Ministry. She cherished her church and was an active parishioner until it became too difficult for her to attend services. Elvera was a person of strong faith.
Despite her arduous work schedule and church related obligations, Elvera’s family was at the center of her life.  She was very proud of her children and grandchildren and spoke of them with love and adoration. She welcomed each opportunity to gather together with family and friends.

On July 3, 2019, while surrounded by several family members, the Lord called Elvera home to Glory. She was preceded in death by her parents Albert T. Sneed and Annie J. (Kelley) Sneed, Earl L. Ransom, Sr. (Husband), Henry R. Dickerson (Ex-Husband) and Elbert. T. Sneed, Jr. (Brother). Elvera leaves to cherish her memory Robert “Chuck” Dickerson (Son), Mona McQueen-Dickerson (Daughter-in-Law) (Dorchester, MA), Earl L. Ransom, Jr. (Son), Katie Boyle (Daughter-in-Law) (Saugus, MA.) She is mourned by her beloved grandchildren Aviana Dickerson (Dorchester, MA), Amber Dickerson (Weymouth, MA), Tyler Ransom (Saugus, MA), and Kolsen E. Holloman (Grand-Buddy). She leaves her devoted siblings Ernestine Cline (Malden, MA), Lewis & Dawn-Marie Sneed (West Bridgewater, MA), Shirley Johnson (Cambridge, MA) and M. Ruby Jackson (Tucson, AZ.) to celebrate her life. A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family members and friends, she leaves with fond memories.

The family of Elvera M. Ransom wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to everyone for the many expressions of kindness, prayers, visits, concern and love shown during her life, illness, and this time of bereavement.

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