Mary Lynn Paulk Elder

Mary Lynn was born on March 20, 1931, in Cairo, Georgia, to the late Lannis and Sadie Paulk. After graduating high school, she attended Shorter College in Rome, Georgia and the University of Georgia. Mary Lynn enjoyed a long and fulfilling career working in the Airline Industry as a Reservationist for over 25 years. Her professional life was complemented by her love of traveling. She had the opportunity to travel to Ireland, Scotland, and Italy and loved every minute of it. She also enjoyed taking trips to the mountains with her friends and family.

Mary Lynn married the love of her life, Thomas Elder III and together they had four children, Thomas IV, Laura, Patricia and Paul. Mary Lynn cherished being a wife and mother to her family. She was overjoyed when she became a grandmother to her six grandchildren and great grandmother to her great grandson.

Mary Lynn was an avid reader and was a member of the Ladies Book Club. She enjoyed solving her daily crossword puzzle. She also loved to sit by her window in her bright, cheery sunroom to watch the birds, especially the hummingbirds and bluebirds. Mary Lynn also volunteered with Matthews Help Center, an organization that provides short term crisis assistance to members of the Matthews community.

Mary Lynn was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and a devoted member of her community. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, Mary Lynn was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Lamar Elder III and her sons, Thomas Lamar Elder IV and Paul Harris Elder.

She is survived by her daughters, Laura Elder Antoon and Patricia Elder Nerozzi; her grandchildren, Mary Katherine Antoon Lindsey, Monica Gabrielle Nerozzi, Ashleigh Nerozzi Farrimond, Andrew Mitchell Nerozzi, Martha Alexandra Elder and Harris Elder; and great-grandson, Elliott Thomas Lindsey.

A private service will be held to honor Mary Lynn's life. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time. Donations can be made in Mary Lynn's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the American Cancer Society.