Elmira Samuel Partlow was born August 4, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the last of eight children born to the late Deacon James and Elder Amanda Samuel. She was reared in a Christian home, where she was taught to love God at an early age.

Elmira was educated in the Philadelphia public school system, where later she worked as a Special Education Assistant.

On July 26, 1958 Elmira married the love of her life, Mack Partlow. Who would have ever thought that after fifty-one years, their eyes would still light up when they saw each other. Because of that love, their union was blessed with two children, Cheryl, and Crystal.

Elmira and Mack's spiritual walk together began at 40th Street Church of God under the leadership of the late Pastor Horace Hawes. They were led to Mount Moriah Pentecostal Church, Inc., under the leadership of the late Bishop Christopher Clark, Jr., DD. Here both of them were ordained Deacons. Elmira served "The Mount" for forty plus years.

Elmira was preceded in death by: her husband, Mack Partlow; sisters: Evelyn Samuel, Marilyn Harper, Lula Yarde, Cora Jordan, Glorious Muir, and Jane Reid; brother: Gillard Samuel.

Deacon Elmira Samuel Partlow was dearly loved and leaves to cherish precious memories: two daughters, Cheryl Partlow and Crystal (Anthony) Townsend; three grandchildren: Christian, Janae, and David; two sisters-in-law: Ivy Samuel, and Geraldine Wilder; two nieces, special niece, Charlotte Samuels, and Linda Samuel; one nephew, Gillard Samuel, Jr.; as well as a host of other family members, friends, and her beloved church family.