Elnora Loray Martin-Calhoun

Elnora Loray Calhoun was born in Oak Hill, WV on November 15, 1964, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Theodore H. and Charlotte Martin, Sr. Affectionately known as Loray; she was the youngest of seven children and peacefully departed this life in her residence in Columbus, Ohio on Monday, July 17, 2023.

Loray was introduced to religion at an early age and always had Christ as the foundation in her life. She was baptized in her home church, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Carlisle, WV, which was built and established by her paternal grandparents in 1901. Although she presently attends New Birth Christian Ministry in Columbus, OH; Loray remains a legacy member of her home church.

Loray graduated from Mt. Hope High School in 1983 and was actively involved in school politics, sports, served as the majorette Captain, and a member of the Flag Corps. Academics were always at the forefront of her high school career, but she found time to participate in intramural sports and Future Business Leaders of America. After high school, Loray furthered her education at multiple institutions, to include: obtaining an Associates degree from West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Computer Science; a diploma in Paralegal Studies from Ohio Dominican University; Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design and Decorating, cum laude, from The Art Institute of Atlanta; and a Masters degree in Criminal Justice, magna cum laude, from Everest University. Utilizing these degrees and other education and personal experience; Loray worked in the legal profession for 30 years beginning with employment as a Paralegal at Ransier & Ransier, LLP followed by the position of Executive Legal Assistant at Vorys, Sater, Seymour, and Pease, LLP to which she remained employed until her death.

Loray was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and represented the women of Crimson and Cream diligently while also serving her community. She has held multiple leadership positions including Deputy Treasurer to Charleta Tavares, State Representative and Ohio State Senator; Deputy Treasurer to Kevin Boyce, Columbus City Council Member and State Representative; Treasurer of the Paralegal Association of Central Ohio; official Board President to the Women’s Missionary at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and most recently nominated to represent her firms’ legal assistants on the Vorys Women’s Network of Legal Professionals Council.

Loray was preceded in death by her parents Theodore and Charlotte Martin, Sr and two sisters: Letha Renee Martin and Sandra Martin-Grant. She leaves to cherish her memories; four siblings: Gloria Christeen Brown (Charles), Johnny Angelo Martin, and Samuel Jerome Martin all of Hilltop, WV and Theodore Martin, Jr of Alexandria, LA; one goddaughter: Lakeisha Booker; seven nieces; two nephews and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Loray had a very special group of friends that she traveled with and attended multicultural and sorority events alongside. She also had a deep love for reading and African American culture which led her to establishing, “Women of Distinction”; a social book club she shared with friends.

Loray seldom met a stranger, loved crafting, bringing together family and friends, and was devoted to her job and work family. She will be greatly and deeply missed by many, near and far.

Visitation 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Saturday, July 22, 2023 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd.).

Interment at Greenwood Memorial Park Saturday, July 29, 2023.