Deatrice Ellisine Wynn Jr

Elmira- Deatrice Ellisine Wynn Jr, 79 of Elmira, New York passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023, with her loving family by her side. She was the daughter of the late Major Ellison & Meneva (Holman) Wynn. Dea was a graduate of Hillside High School (Durham, NC), Elmira College (Elmira, NY), Columbia University (NY,NY) and Pace University (White Plains, NY).

For more than 44 years Dea dedicated her life to social work. Throughout her career, she worked for Dept of Social Services (Westchester and Chemung counties), Child Protective Services (Manhattan),Craig DDSO (now Finger Lakes DDSO), retiring in 2009 from the Elmira Psychiatric Center.

Deatrice helped establish and or supported many programs in our community, from her time at Elmira College (1961-1965) until her passing. Dea was a previous member of the Chemung County Youth Bureau, a member of the International Association of Black Social Workers, the Chemung Democratic party (helping at the polls for every election possible), and Women’s Division Leader for SGI (Soka Gakkai International) for Upstate/Western NY.

She was predeceased by her parents and maternal grand parents “Daddy” James and Ada (Sales) Holman. Akiko Champagne was one of Dea’s most cherished friends.

She is survived by her sister Faye Wynn,  Son; Marc Lynch (Karen Cadek),  nephew-Kiwan Bigelow (Emma), niece-Shanita Bigelow (Arturo Alvarez) grandchildren Julian Coley-Lynch, Mikayla Northrup-Lynch, Quiana Lynch, Jaelon Lynch, Brandi Carr, Heather Moyer-Effland and Brittanie Moyer-Effland. Great grandchildren Landon , Jordyn, Kyler, Isabella, Gabriella and Mikella. Lifelong friends: Marcia Hamm and daughters (Laura, Robin and Ayanna), Kim English and sons (William “Chip” Evans and Lawrence Collins), Regina Keddell, Reiko Champagne, Hattie Wright, and Grace Minter. Dea also remained close friends with her son’s father, Henry F. Lynch Jr.

A very special thank you to Dr. Nixi Cat for all the care that you gave Deatrice.
Friends may call from 11:00 am til 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Olthof Funeral Home 1050 Pennsylvania. A Buddhist funeral to follow. The location of the repass will be announced at the service.
In lieu of donations, In lieu of flowers
Chant “Nam myoho renge kyo” 3 times, and unlock your Buddha powers!!