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Willie Mae Elmore, who previously served as trustee for Port Arthur Independent School District, founded a program to train people for nurses aide certification, had a career in healthcare and much more.

She died Monday at the age of 74.

Port Arthur ISD’s social media page noted Elmore’s passing and offered a platform for former classmates and colleagues to share fond memories.

One of those memories was shared by Israel Taylor, principal at Travis Elementary School.

“Miss Elmore did so much for me prior to me becoming a teacher. Making sure that I was going to finish college along with several other young people that worked with her when she was house supervisor of Park Place Hospital,” Taylor said in a post. “I will never forget what she did for us. Rest well for a job well done.”

Delores Gunner offered condolences to the family, saying she enjoyed their time together in the Honeybee Alumni Group.

Kareem Nelson called Elmore a class act who was smart, spiritual and a true servant leader while another person listed as DonRayia Miller called Elmore the best CAN instructor who helped her when she was 18 and didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life. She credits Elmore with helping her obtain her certificate and get a job.

Adrienne Lott, director of communication services for PAISD, said the district leaders offers their deepest condolences to friends, family and the community in the loss of Elmore.

According to biographical information from the Port Arthur Public Library, Elmore attended Abraham Lincoln High School and was part of the district and state championship 440-yard girls track team and was a drum majorette.

She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1967 and went on to receive certification in hemodialysis in 1972.

She continued her education and became a registered nurse and vocational nurse instructor, then went on to work for Park Place Hospital.

By 1984 she was supervisor for the ICU/CCU Unit.

A lifelong learner, Elmore went back to college and attended Prairie View A&M, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree and Masters of Science degree in education and health administration.

She worked with school and community organizations, then later served on PAISD board of trustees and became president, serving multiple terms.

In 1999 she founded the Program of Health Excellence, Inc., where she taught people interested in taking the Texas Nurse Aide Certification courses.

She continued with her medical career, serving as chief clinical officer at the Promise Hospital, Medical Magnet Health Coordinator for the Beaumont ISD and the Clinical and Classroom Educator at the Memorial High School CATE Program.

She is a published author of two books: “Under This Black Skin” and “Sisters Let’s Talk About It.”

In 2009 Willie Mae Elmore received her Doctorate of Theology from The Lord’s Outreach School of Theology.

Services for Elmore are pending with Gabriel Funeral Home.