| Featured Artist of the Month |
| September 2009 |
| ~ Mary McElfresh ~ |
| "Everybody's Mama" is the perfect nickname for September's Artist of the Month! Mary McElfresh and her family just happened to find CMSA one night in Ashley's Restaurant during one of our "open mic" nights, and it's just what this fine family needed! It has given many members of the McElfresh family a place to sing, and many great friends. Mary was born in Oklahoma City in 1947 to Herman and Florence Vaughn. Her mother was a pastor, and she had Mary in church by the age of two. Florence played the piano, while Bobby (Mary's older brother) played guitar, banjo, mandolin, or bass. Her little brother played the guitar or drums. So you can see she came from a background of music lovers. She was destined to be involved in music to some degree. At the age of 18, she learned to play the piano, and a little bit of the guitar. Her sister Ruth got her singing, though. Singing in church to be exact! When Mary was just 17 years old, the family moved to Tecumseh, Oklahoma. Her mom, Florence, started a church there, in the old post office building On Valentine's Day of 1966, Mary met Dannie McElfresh. And in just 5 short months they were married! They took their vows seriously, and they have never been broken. Dannie served in the Army, starting just 5 months into their marraige. He served in Vietnam, and came home safe in 1968. While Dannie was in Vietnam, their first son, Stacy, was born. Then in 1971 came Scott. Alisha was their first daughter, born in 1976, and Amanda followed in 1977. Mary was with her husband Dannie when they found CMSA in 2004. She was rarely without him. But on January 1, 2005 Mary lost her husband in death. He was not just the father of her children, but her best friend, her confidant, and her true love. She still fights feeling depressed, but with the help of family and friends, she is surviving. She says that the CMSA is helping her daughter and granddaughters to pursue their pa-pa's dream of singing on the big stage. Mary and her family have been very actively involved in the CMSA since joining. She as served as chairman of the Fundraising group for Pigeon Forge in 2007, Chairman of CMSA wearing apparel, Chairman of the decorating committee, chairman of the New Year's Eve dance, and appears in several shows each years. She and her family have traveled to Pigeon Forge, TN 3 times and have brought home trophies each year. The members of the CMSA truly appreciate Mary McElfresh for all she does for the Association. |
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