Elvira Alethia, beloved wife of Howell Wayans and revered as the matriarch of the Wayans family. She is most prominently known as the nurturing mother of renowned actor Marlon Wayans.
Beyond her role as a mother, Elvira led a multifaceted life as a devoted homemaker, gifted singer, and compassionate social worker. Her journey on this earth came to an end in 2020 at the age of 81.
This article will delve into the fascinating details of her personal life. Her impactful career as a singer and social worker and her profound influence on her family will be discussed.
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Quick Bio
| Full Name | Elvira Alethia |
| Famous as | Marlon Wayans’s Mother |
| Age at the time of Death | 81 |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Date of Birth | 23 July 1938 |
| Place of Birth | Manhattan, New York City, New York County, NY |
| Date of Death | 22 July 2020 |
| Place of Death | New York, United States |
| Parents | Ivory Garrett Green, Elvira Green (Brown) |
| Spouse/Ex | Howell Wayans |
| Children | Marlon Wayans, Dwayne Howell Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans; Kim Wayans, Shawn Wayans |
| Marital Status | Married (till death) |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | Social Worker |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Nationality | American |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
Elvira Alethia’s Early Life
Elvira Alethia was born on July 23, 1938, to parents Ivory Garrett Green and Elvira Brown. She is renowned for being the mother of the famous Marlon Wayans.
While her upbringing remains relatively obscure, her legacy as a social worker, homemaker, and singer shines bright. After marrying Howell Wayans, she dedicated herself to nurturing her family’s brilliant talent in the entertainment industry.
Despite her achievements and significant role in her children’s lives, little information about her educational background is available. Nevertheless, her impact on her family and the world is a testament to a remarkable woman’s strength, love, and dedication.
Elvira Alethia’s Career
Elvira Alethia embraced various roles with grace and dedication, being not only a homemaker, singer, and social worker. Despite her commitments beyond the family, she always made sure that her children were never neglected.
She was pivotal in raising her ten children, creating a loving, nurturing environment that allowed them to thrive. Elvira’s ability to balance her pursuits and her dedication to her family exemplifies her strength as a woman and a mother.
She left a lasting impression on her children and inspired them to follow their passions and make a mark.
Married Life of Elvira Alethia
Elvira Alethia had a joyous and fulfilling marriage with her husband, Howell Stouten Wayans. Howell was a supermarket manager. Together, they lovingly welcomed ten children into their lives, forming the talented and renowned Wayans family.
Some of her notable children who have made a mark in the entertainment industry include Marlon, Damon Sr., Keenen, Shawn, and Kim Wayans.
Elvira’s legacy extends beyond her children, as she is also survived by numerous grandchildren, including Damon Wayans Jr., known for his roles in popular TV shows like “Happy Together” and “New Girl.”
Her influence as a mother and matriarch has extended to multiple generations. Her family’s achievements continue to be a testament to her love, support, and enduring impact on their lives.
Elvira Alethia’s Teachings to Her Children
Elvira Alethia was a remarkable and responsible mother who went above and beyond traditional gender roles to ensure her children’s self-sufficiency.
She taught her daughters essential life skills like cooking and sewing and extended these teachings to her sons. During an appearance on Oprah Winfrey’s show, Elvira’s daughter Kim shared how her mother made sure her boys learned how to cook, clean, and sew right from the beginning.
Elvira’s approach was rooted in the belief that all her children should be well-equipped to handle the practicalities of life. She wanted to instil independence and self-reliance in her sons so they never depended on others for their basic needs.
She broke gender stereotypes and provided her children with comprehensive skills. Elvira empowered them to navigate life confidently and embrace responsibilities traditionally associated with any gender.
Her forward-thinking approach to parenting has undoubtedly left a lasting and positive impact on her children’s lives.
Marlon Wayans: Elvira Alethia’s Incredible Son
Marlon Wayans is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He was born in New York, USA, on 23 July 1972. Marlon is best known for his work in various comedy films and television shows.
He comes from a talented and prominent family in the entertainment industry, with siblings who are also actors, comedians, and writers.
Marlon Wayans gained widespread recognition for his roles in the “Scary Movie” film series, which he co-wrote and starred in. He has appeared in other successful comedies such as “White Chicks,” “Dance Flick,” and “A Haunted House.”
Marlon’s performances often highlight his comedic timing and versatility as an actor. Aside from acting, Marlon has also ventured into producing and writing, expanding his creative contributions to the entertainment world.
His work has garnered him a large fan base and established him as one of the prominent figures in the comedy genre.
Elvira Alethia’s Other Children
Dwayne Wayans
Dwayne Wayans, the eldest among the talented Wayans siblings, was born on July 20, 1956. He has been deeply involved in show business for a considerable time.
Despite being part of the entertainment industry, Dwayne didn’t seem to relish the limelight as much as his siblings did. He is a retired composer with exceptional musical talent who contributed to numerous Hollywood projects.
He composed soundtracks for successful films like Dance Flick and Little Man. Before his retirement as a composer, Dwayne also worked as a production assistant and occasionally appeared in background roles on his brothers’ shows.
Keenen Ivory Wayans
Keenen Ivory Wayans holds the second eldest among the Wayans siblings and is a versatile figure in the entertainment industry as an actor, comedian, and filmmaker.
He has an impressive resume, having written, directed, and produced several films. Two notable successes, the Scary Movie series, and White Chicks, achieved great popularity in Hollywood.
Keenen’s breakthrough to fame came with the Fox sketch comedy series, In Living Color. The series garnered significant acclaim and received prestigious awards, including an Emmy in 1990.
Keenen has further established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment world. In the 90s, he hosted his talk show, “The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show,” which received high praise and maintained good ratings.
Keenen Ivory Wayans continues to leave a lasting impact on the industry with his creativity and talent.
Diedre Wayans
Diedre Wayans has carved her niche with a prominent behind-the-screen presence. She has gained recognition and respect for her remarkable talent in writing and co-writing scripts for numerous renowned projects.
In addition to her screenwriting endeavours, Diedre is a film producer and has collaborated on various Hollywood ventures with her siblings. Her family extends beyond the entertainment world, as she is a mother to seven children, including the notable actor, writer, and producer Craig Wayans.
Damon Wayans
Damon Wayans, the fourth-oldest among the Wayans siblings, was born on September 4, 1960. He has left an indelible mark on Hollywood through his versatile talents in acting and writing.
Damon is known primarily as a standup comedian and actor. He has graced the screens in various TV projects. Notable appearances include his role in the Fox comedy sketch, In Living Color.
Damon has also made memorable guest appearances on Saturday Night Live’s renowned comedy show.
Kim Wayans
Kim Wayans, also known as Kimberly Nichole Wayans, was born on October 16, 1961. She is a prominent figure in the entertainment world as an actress.
As the matriarch of the Wayans family, Kim has made her mark on numerous onscreen projects. Notably, she has delivered standout performances on Fox’s comedy sketch, In Living Color.
Additionally, Kim has starred in various other projects, including the sitcom, The House. Her talent extends to the big screen, with memorable appearances in movies like I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.
Elvira Wayans
Elvira Wayans, born in 1964, has established herself as a talented screenwriter, working on solo projects and collaborations with her siblings. Interestingly, she is the only Wayans sibling named after one of their parents.
Her involvement in the writing process of the sitcom My Wife and Kids, led by her brother Damon Wayans, showcased her creative prowess. She has kept much of her life private, separating her from her more public siblings.
One of the ways she shares her creativity with the world is through her YouTube channel, “Elvers Kitchen.” She posts personal recipes on the channel, including those inherited from her mother.
Nadia Wayans
Nadia Wayans, the third daughter in the Wayans family, has maintained a relatively private life. Unlike her more spotlighted siblings, she has not been in the limelight as much.
Her IMDb page reveals her sole appearance in the movie “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” a project led by her sister Kim Wayans. She starred alongside her brother, Marlon Wayans. Despite not having an extensive acting career, Nadia Wayans has accumulated a net worth of just over $1 million.
Though not heavily involved in show business, Nadia occasionally accompanies her siblings on the red carpet, joining them on public appearances and events. Despite her privacy preference, she remains a valued member of the close-knit Wayans family.
Devonne Wayans
Devonne “Vonnie” Wayans has maintained a private life, making it challenging to find detailed information about her. However, it is known that she has been involved as a screenwriter on several projects of her siblings.
Additionally, she currently works for Continental Airlines, Inc.
Like her siblings, Vonnie is a Louis D. Brandeis High School graduate. Some records estimate her net worth to be around $100,000.
Amidst her privacy, one known personal detail is that Vonnie Wayans is a mother to a daughter named Lauren. Despite her low profile, her contributions to her family and work in the entertainment industry are valued and appreciated by her loved ones.
Shawn Wayans
Shawn Wayans, the second youngest among the Wayans siblings, was born on January 19, 1971. Shawn lives a more public life, frequently appearing in TV shows and movies. Early in his career, he gained recognition as the DJ on Fox’s comedy sketch, In Living Color.
Shawn’s collaboration with his siblings has been a significant aspect of his career. He co-created and co-starred in the popular show, The Wayans Bros alongside his younger brother, Marlon Wayans. Furthermore, he achieved immense success with his role in the Scary Movie series.
Shawn has been involved in other successful projects, including the hit movie White Chicks. With a net worth of over $30 million, Shawn Wayans is one of the wealthiest among the Wayans siblings.
Elvira Alethia’s Last Moments With Her Son Marlon
In an emotional interview with Essence, Marlon revealed the poignant reason behind his decision not to marry anyone. He shared that when his mother was on her deathbed, he told her about never getting married because he wanted her to always be his number one girl.
Hearing this, his mother, despite being in pain, mustered the strength to hold his hand and draw him close. She told him she loved him too. It was a touching connection between a son and his devoted mother.
As he expressed his intention to see her again, she managed to smile amidst the pain, knowing he had a life to live.
Death of Elvira AElvira died in 2020, leaving a legacy of talented children who will continue to succeed in the entertainment industry. She will always be remembered by all her loved ones.
