Elma Lash Obituary

Elma L. Lash

Dec 24, 1941 - Jul 15, 2024

Sandusky

Elma Louise "Bay" (Crayton) Lash was born Dec. 24, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Ernestine Wilson and Walter Crayton. Shee grew up in Coldwater, Mississippi until her early teens. Her family migrated to Sandusky in 1952, where she attended Sandusky High School.

Elma peacefully left us Monday, July 15, 2024.

The moment James (Babe) Lash saw you and held you, he would not let you go. The two appreciated their love for fashion, music, barbeques, laughter, and travel. They were the first black business that gave customers "credit," as well as offering what is known today as internships for high school students interested in fashion. Together, they became the first black owned clothing store, The Progressive Shop in Sandusky and Lash Clothing in Mansfield. Eventually, they would move Lash Clothing store to the Sandusky Plaza for several years. Elma worked at Delko Products and The Market in Sandusky. Elma worked for Ford Motor Company in Sandusky and retired from the Ford Motor Plant in Avon Lake. Elma was also an interior decorator and fashionista.

Her home is a testament of her love for decorating and fashion. Her home was a place for many events. She enjoyed family and friends and spending quality time at Shoreline Park on the water. She was an avid baseball (Cleveland Indians (Guardians)) and basketball (Cleveland Cavaliers) fan. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren who loving called her "MeMaw." Elma was an active member of East Parish Street Church of Christ in Sandusky. She enjoyed working with the members, teaching Sunday and Vacation Bible School. She enjoyed sharing the gospel with others. She was a joy to be around and was famous for her "bake beans and potato salad" that she made for family gatherings. Her favorite songs were "Another Child of God" and "Hilltops of Glory."

Born to this union was one son, Dwayne, and two daughters, Celeste and Deborah.

Left to cherish her wonderful memories are her son, Dwayne Lash of Sandusky; daughters, Deborah Lash of Sandusky and Stevie Ann Hathorn of Columbus; bonus son, Dean (Tara) Seavers; sister, Bernestine (Daniel) Pettigrew of Willard; brothers, Alvin Jones of Lorain, Calvin Jones of Sandusky, and James Curtis (Pamela) Jones of Norwalk; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Nathan Jones; husband, James; daughter, Celeste; granddaughter, Tiffany Hathorn; sisters, Jessie Carter and Theresa (Carl) Taylor; and brothers, Mervin (Christine) Crayton and Dennis (Debbie Herron) Jones.

Visitation for friends will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, until the time of Elma's Homegoing celebration at 12 p.m. at The Church of Christ, 1219 East Parish St., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870. Brother Larry Battle will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery.

Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, is assisting family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be shared at www.toftfuneralhomes.com.