Marion Mildred Majors McElroy

Marth 16, 1922 — January 22, 2017

Marion Mildred Majors McElroy passed away on January 22, 2017. Marion was born to Andrew and Ruth Majors on March 16, 1922 in Minneapolis, MN. She was a trailblazer and her accomplishments are many.

In 1940, as an employee of Strutwear Knitting Company, she became the first African American woman to operate the power seaming machine and the first African American shop steward.

Throughout her career at Northwestern Bell, Marion served in many leadership roles. She was the first African American female to be the director of the Business Alliance Division, where she is credited for developing the first National Business Alliance Minority Directory, and for being a national leader of the youth employment program.

Marion continued her trailblazing by founding Sabathani Community Center’s AARP Chapter and actively serving on several committees at Saint Peter’s AME Church, the board of directors of Phyllis Wheatley, and as a member of the Red Hats Society.

She was also a recipient of the prestigious Andrus Award, served as a consultant to the Wallin Scholarship Program, and was recognized by the African American Breast Cancer Alliance as a 50-year breast cancer survivor.

She was deservedly honored and celebrated as a history-maker for her civic work. Marion is survived by her sister Lucille (Ludy) Anderson, 12 nieces and nephews, and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Ms. McElroy’s desire to impact lives extends beyond her life, as she donated her entire body to research at the University of Minnesota. Her loving family will celebrate her life on Saturday, March 11, 2017, 11 am at Saint Peter’s AME Church, 401 East 41st Street in Minneapolis.