Outstanding Women of New Brighton: Valerie McElvy
On September 15, 1953 in New Brighton, Valerie Tisdale was born to the late Edward and Delores Tisdale. She is the wife of Elmer McElvy Jr., mother of sons Jason and Justin, and grandmother to five.
Valerie, as you may know her, worked at Red Bull Inn, Kmart, New Brighton School District, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Grace Methodist Church, T.A.M.E., and now the Franklin Center of Beaver County where she founded Professional Outfitters and Variety Shoppe. Her passion for volunteer work is vast and wide. Wayman Chapel church, now closed, holds her dearest memories, and presently, 1st Presbyterian of New Brighton has opened a new chapter.
Valerie graduated from New Brighton High School, CCBC, and Geneva College. Currently, she serves as First Ward Borough Council Member and on the New Brighton Business District Authority.
But do you really know her — is she Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad conductor; Coretta Scott King, the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King; Billie Holiday, the queen of the blues; Ella Fitzgerald, the first lady of song; Maya Angelou, American poet; Pocahontas, a Native American woman; Rosa Parks, civil rights forerunner; Ruby Bridges, who desegregated a white school; Michelle Obama, wife of the first black President; Diana Ross, of the Supremes; Bible women Lydia, known for her purple clothes and converting to Christianity, Deborah, prophet and judge, Mary, Mother of Jesus, Lot’s wife who turned to a pillar of salt, Eve, first woman of the Bible. In the world of make-believe, she has been Mother Goose, portrayed by “Mama Goose,” Raggedy Ann, Minions, Ms. Captain America, Winnie the Pooh, Tin Man and the Scarecrow of Oz, Minnie Mouse, and other Disney characters.
So who really is Valerie McElvy and where does all this come from? Isaiah 40:31 says it best — “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Hear ye, Valerie McElvy!