Elaine was born Jan 12, 1952 at Cannon Memorial Hospital to David Perry Pace and Bobby Evelyn Trotter, also both life-long residents of Pickens County. She attended Pickens High School and graduated Salutatorian in 1970. She would go on to attend Clemson University and graduate with honors in Education in 1973. During this time, she met her future husband Wallace Nathaniel Cantrell while working a summer job at Sangamo in Pickens. They married shortly after graduation.
Elaine and Wallace would have two sons, Scott Michael Cantrell in 1974 and Steven Eric Cantrell in 1975. She would continue to attend Clemson University and attained her Masters in Personnel Services (Guidance) in 1983.
Elaine would teach both at Pickens Junior High and Pickens High School for 35 years, teaching thousands of Pickens County students before retiring in 2015.
Elaine was also a writer and published 18 novels. She read passionately, and in retirement donated generously to humane causes all over the US. She loved animals of all kinds and did everything she could to instill a similar kindness and curiosity in her sons.
Elaine was a member of East Pickens Baptist Church and was a devout Christian.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Wallace, her sons Scott and Steve, her grandsons Simon and David, her granddaughter Kara Carter, her daughters-in-law Seung Eun and Dawn, her great-granddaughters Aila Oglesby and Lizzie Carter.
Services will be held at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens. Visitation is Sunday night, January 26, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Funeral services will be Monday at 1:00pm.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
