The Life Story of Mrs. Elie
On September 7, 1946, a young carpenter and his wife were blessed with the birth of a tiny baby girl; the first child of seven. Although relatives and neighbors shared in the joy of welcoming the new baby into the world, nobody in that Ohio farming community could have guessed that Eunice Mulberry would one day grow to become an accomplished and internationally recognized musician and teacher whom God would use to bless the lives of many.
Even the earliest years of Eunice's life were filled with music, for although her father was ill-tempered, he had a tremendous voice that during happy moments would ring out in song. Little Eunice's mother was even more musical; she was a wonderful pianist, having won many awards in her youth. As a busy wife and mother, she also served God faithfully as the church pianist, and taught piano lessons at home.
Eunice's life changed when her family moved to Michigan, but the "famous" Mulberry music continued. When Eunice was only 6 years old, her father asked her a question that changed the course of her life: "Eunice would you like to play the violin?" When she responded "yes," she never imagined that her decision would open the doors for tremendous opportunity to study under some of the greatest masters in the world, and to learn to play so skillfully that it would bring joy to the lives of thousands upon thousands of people.
As young Eunice matured, her love for music and her desire to please God with the gifts He had given her increased. She grew proficient not only in violin, but also in piano and many other instruments. Eunice faced many obstacles and challenges. She became very sick at age 12 and did not get better until after she was 20 years old. Eunice continued her musical studies, though she was sick, and though her family was very poor. Because her parents sacrificed, and because Eunice practiced diligently, she soon became the leader of her school orchestra and other musical groups. She actively participated in church choir and ensembles, led the Mt. Clemen's City Symphony, and of course the Mulberry Family String Quartet. Earning awards and scholarships, Eunice continued to be a musical leader as she transitioned into high school and then into college. Even in her youth, Eunice performed music professionally.
During her senior year in college, Eunice met Donald Elie; a wonderful man who loved God. He was also an education major, but with plans to go into fulltime ministry. Donald became Eunice's greatest fan and before long he convinced her to trade in her last name for his. In June of 1967, Eunice married Donald and became permanently known to her students as their beloved "Mrs. Elie." Although Don Elie was not musical, he loved music, and supported his wife by constantly encouraging her to continue developing and using her God-given talents. Despite the physical challenges of a back injury, two separate neck fractures, a severe knee injury, a heart condition, and crippling arthritis, and also the natural challenges of being a pastor's wife and raising five children to grow up loving God, Eunice continued to faithfully cultivate her musical gifts. In addition to earning her BA, Music Education, Violin and Piano Proficiency with a minor in English and her Teachers Certification, K-12, Eunice also earned her MA, Music Education, Suzuki Strings and Piano. Not only did Mrs. Elie use her training to start and build thriving music programs in various schools & churches, she also performed professionally before hundreds of thousands of people in 48 states, Canada and Mexico, and she has blessed the hearts of audiences in Europe as well, where she performed private concerts for delegations of foreign government officials, and also performed before public audiences that several times numbered over 50,000.
Because Mrs. Elie has devoted her life to serving God with her music, God has given her abundant opportunities to use her gifts. When the former Soviet Union fell, Dr. and Mrs. Elie along with their 5 children received a surprising visit from a delegation of Russian government officials. Amazed at the unity between the 5 teenaged children and the parents of this Christian, musical, American home, Dr. and Mrs. Elie were immediately issued a special, personal invitation from the Head Minister of the Russian Department of Interior to develop a special curriculum using music and the Bible to teach English in Russian schools. This program was immediately implemented at all grade levels in the most prestigious language and music schools in all of Russia.
Today, Mrs. Elie is in the process of founding Master's Conservatory of Music TM., a professional music school where she can pour her love for God, for people, and for exceptional music into students who will commit themselves to developing their talents and abilities to the fullest, to bring joy to the hearts of many. On September 7th, 2006 , Mrs. Elie celebrated her 60th birthday; a milestone in the journey of a great musician, but more importantly, a truly inspirational example and testimony to the world.
Sources compiled with love by Eunice Elie's 5 children: Timothy Jonathan -- United States Army, Christina Joy -- Business & Advertising Consultant/Teacher, Philip Stephen -- Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, Deborah Anna -- www.LeitWolfK9.com, David Michael -- Construction Worker & Church Worker.
WE, MRS. EUNICE ELIE'S FIVE CHILDREN DO THANK GOD FOR A WONDERFUL MOTHER WHO TRAINED US IN MUSIC, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY LOVED US ENOUGH TO TEACH US TO LOVE AND FEAR GOD AND WALK IN HIS WAYS. WE LOVE YOU, MOM! NOBODY COULD ASK FOR A BETTER MOTHER! WE RISE UP IN UNISON AND RESOUNDINGLY CALL YOU BLESSED!
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