Elaine graduated from Olney High School in 1955. After graduation she began working at Pennsylvania Hospital as an administrative assistant. This prepared her for work, in both Philly and New York, as assistant to pop stars Frankie Avalon and Fabian, both of whom she referred to as "just boys from the neighborhood".

Elaine then moved to West Lafayette, IN where she attended Purdue University. She soon returned to Philadelphia, where she worked at the University of Pennsylvania in the College of Art and for several prominent attorneys.

In 1965, after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King speak from offices of the Congress for Racial Equality, (CORE), Elaine felt compelled to volunteered with CORE, becoming very active in the Civil Rights Movement. While volunteering with CORE, Elaine met Walton Jones. Walt and Elaine were seen as leaders in the movement and examples of racial harmony. Together they participated in demonstrations, marched on picket lines, and hosted leaders of the movement, including Stokley Carmichael (Kwame Ture).

 In 1979, due to Walton's poor health, the two moved to Tempe, Arizona.  Elaine began her career at the College of Fine Arts at Arizona State University, where she enjoyed 25 years until her retirement in 2008. Elaine became an avid fan of ASU Football and the Phoenix Suns. She enjoyed the natural beauty of Arizona, spending time outdoors and as a member of the Desert Botanical Gardens. Because of her lifelong love of animals, she was a regular supporter of the Arizona Humane Society and the ASPCA.

After retirement she proudly spent over twelve years volunteering at Chandler Regional Medical Center. Among Elaine's many interest, she enjoyed exercise, (especially yoga), art galleries, concerts, theatre and movies.

Elaine is survived by her daughter; three grandsons; and her sister.  Elaine is preceded in passing by her husband of over twenty years, Walton Jones; Father, Edward Hershman; Mother, Ida (Tobman) Hershman; and a niece.

Services were held on March 3rd and she was laid to rest, alongside her husband, at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery.