Joseph Elder

Joseph Elder was born on October 30, 1924 to the late Charlie and Belle Elder in Pike County, Alabama.

He spent many days on a farm until an opportunity arose for him and his cousin George in Chicago in 1948.

It was his strength and hard work that landed him jobs with McHugh and Paschen Construction Companies. He even worked on the construction of Kennedy-King College and several downtown buildings.

Life in the big city caused him to seek a church home where he met and married the church secretary and Lockhart singer Pearl Brackett in 1951. Their union produced three children; Priscilla, Joseph Jr. and Marilyn.

Brother Elder and his family joined the Monument of Faith family in the 1970’s. His relationship with God grew under the leadership of Apostle R.D. Henton, whom he dearly loved. He did not allow grueling work and extreme racism he experienced to deter him from completing his high school education at Englewood night school.

He worked with several auxiliaries such as the Pastor’s Aide Department under Jack Taylor, church parking lot attendant under Brother Erich and the Men’s Choir with Elder Meeks and Brother Kenny Fristoe.

Joseph loved gospel music, quartet singing and using his deep bass tones. Upon retirement he learned to enjoy life: growing a garden, baseball games, attending parades, the Chicago Air & Water Show, the Auto Show and his favorite, Chicago Gospel Fest. Some took his kindness for a weakness but he loved God, people and he loved to laugh.

Throughout his later years he could be heard singing “If I Labor” by the Winans.

On Monday, May 16, 2016 Joseph Elder went from his labor to his reward.

He was preceded in death by his wife Pearl and daughter Priscilla Elder.

Joseph leaves to cherish his precious memories his son Joseph Jr., daughter Marilyn, son/ nephew Mark Brackett, brother in law Frederick Brackett, nieces Myrtle, Gwen, And Vivian; nephews Leonard and Jim Jordan, cousins Mattie Ruth and Carl Rowe, numerous family in Alabama, Chicago and Florida, as well as his Monument of Faith family.

Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

II Timothy 4:8 KJV

Arrangements under the direction of Kenny Brothers Funeral Directors, Evergreen Park, IL.