Maurice Grina McElroy, 48, departed this life at 8:10 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

He was born Feb. 3, 1962, in St. Louis, son of Cornelius and Leola (Bufford) McElroy. They both survive.

He was a graduate of Alton High School. He was employed at The Alton Telegraph starting at age 15, until 1992, due to illness. He was a member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church and later Unity Fellowship Church.

Survivors include three brothers, Darryl (Gayle) McElroy, Bryant (Dionne) McElroy and Vicente McElroy, all of Alton; two sisters, Bridgett (Larry) McElroy-Landon of Godfrey and Nicol McElroy of Florissant, Mo.; aunts and uncles, Lonza (Sadie) Bufford, Lurlen Smith, Gertrude (Raymond) Giles, Carrie Louise (Roscoe Sr.) Gudger, L.C. Bufford, Edward (Deborah) Bufford, Lorenzo (Billie Jean) Bufford, Dorothy Mae (Tommy) White and Freddie Mae Wesley; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edward and Susie Bufford, and Toby and Marriah McElroy; uncles, Paul and William Bufford, Lemon Perry and Samuel and Clyde Boatwright; and an aunt, Silverine Beck.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, at Unity Fellowship Church. Visitation is to continue from 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 2, until time of service at 11 a.m., also at the church. The Rev. Charles K. Burton Jr. will officiate.

Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery.

Cathy M. Williams & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.