Elaine Ann Erwin

Elaine Ann Erwin of Amarillo, TX passed away on March 17, 2026, at the age of 73 at her home.

Elaine was born on September 7, 1952, in Clovis, NM, to Melvin and Marie Erwin. After graduating from Texico High School, Elaine pursued nursing at Nothwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo, and after receiving her LVN, served as a health missionary in Peru, a spirited move which would not only define Elaine’s career, but life. Upon returning to the States, she earned her B.S. from Amarillo College then headed to Humana Hospital in Dallas, and later to William Beaumont Hospital in El Paso to work in psychiatric nursing, a field she stayed in for the remainder of her career.

Fulfilling her appetite for adventure and desire to help others, Elaine took up travel nursing, which led her to California, Arizona, Nebraska, and the island of St. Croix. During these stops on her remarkable journey, she made sure that her family came to visit, and to experience culture outside of the Lone Star State.

Elaine spent some time in Lubbock, but ultimately settled back home in Amarillo, working at the TDCJ Clements Unit until she hung up her scrubs in 2023, retiring exactly 50 years from when she first put them on.

Elaine enjoyed going to the casino and singing karaoke with her friends. Her wanderlust led to a diverse palette, a deep appreciation for other cultures, and more importantly, countless friends across the Country and Caribbean. Elaine didn’t just want to share stories with others: she strove to make them with those in her life. She always reminded you how special you were to her, whether that was bringing you an iced tea, planning a lunch, or booking a flight to come see her wherever she happened to be during her travels. Her greatest passion, however, was her nieces and nephews and their children, whom she treated all like her own.

She is preceded in death by Melvin and Marie Erwin, parents: and Meriva Barrajas, sister in spirit.

She is survived by brother, David Erwin, and his wife/ her sister at heart, Pennie: sisters, Barbara Erwin and Janet Erwin: nephew, Dane Glenn, and his wife, Jordan; niece, Caitlin Claypool, and her husband, Josh; niece, Ashley Carter, and her husband, Cory; niece Jessica Kenney, and her husband, Bret; nephew, Hayden Erwin, and his wife, Cassi; niece, Lacey Miller; great nieces, Avery, Madison, Nora, Karmen, Wren, Liz, Reagan, and Evie; and great nephews, Maverick, Merritt, Marshall, Charlie, Ben, and Gracen.

A Celebration of life will be announced at a later date.