Priscilla Elaine Rencher

Priscilla Elaine Rencher, affectionately known as “Elaine” was born April 25, 1943, in Sturgis, Kentucky to the late Tarvin and Pauline Shelton. She grew up in a loving household and did everything with her cousin Brenda Brown-Chapman who at one time lived next door and then across the street. They were inseparable often referred to as “sisters” instead of cousins and it was that bond that provided the strength needed to endure the turbulent times in their community. In 1957, Elaine was one of several students who integrated into the local high school and paved the way for civil rights in Sturgis, Kentucky. During that time, Elaine had to be escorted to school and protected by the Kentucky National Guard because of the mob violence.

After graduating from high school in 1961, the sister-cousins relocated to Fort Wayne, IN. Both attended and graduated from Stovall’s House of Beauty Culture, becoming licensed cosmetologists. Both worked at Parkview Hospital as aides and then General Electric (Lockheed Martin) where Elaine retired after more than 35 years of service.

Elaine confessed Jesus Christ as her personal savior at the early age of 12 years old, and was a devout member of Phillips Chapel, CME of Sturgis, KY. Elaine loved her church and as a teenager served on the usher board. In 1962, she joined Turner Chapel AME church and sang with the Chapelaires for many years. In 1963, Elaine married her husband of 48 years, Thomas Rencher. She was a great cook and made the best pound cake and chicken salad. Elaine loved to shop, and she loved to travel with her sister Gloria Wilson to visit their sister, Marian, in Virgina. We remember Elaine as being kind to everyone and upon learning of her passing, many shared how kind she was to them.

Elaine leaves to cherish her memory, her grandson, Tremaine (Quimesha) Rencher and three great-grandchildren; Quantre, Aubrey and Aaniylah Rencher; sister Gloria Wilson ; sister-cousin, Brenda Brown-Chapman; her beloved Angel nieces, Tonda (Calvin) Kelly, Kathy Gaines, Sandra (Richard) Wharton and Karen (Ronnie) Knox who worked as a team making sure she had everything she needed; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tarvin and Pauline Shelton; husband “Tommy;” daughter, Kim Rencher; brothers, LaChester Shelton, Segue Shelton, Douglas Shelton, and sister, Marian Johnson.

Funeral service will be 12:00 pm Saturday April 19, 2025, at Turner Chapel AME Church, 836 E. Jefferson Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN with visitation one hour prior. Private burial at Covington Memorial Gardens. Arrangements entrusted to D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home 1140 Lake Ave. Fort Wayne, IN. To sign the online guestbook go to www.mccombandsons.com