Mary Elder

Mary J. Elder, born on August 10, 1951 in Montgomery, Alabama to late Jeff Gore and Mary Thomas. As a young child she relocated Mansfield with her grandparents Robert and Mittie Brooks who raised her. Later in her life she moved in with her parents the late Johnny B. and Mary Thomas. Mary set a course for heaven’s eternal shores early Tuesday morning on April 23, 2013.

Mary was united in marriage to Maurice Elder until he answered the call of the Lord. She has been a member of the New Community Temple COGIC over 30 years where she was very active and faithful member and within those years she served on the Mother’s Board, the Usher Board, the Overseer of the Young Adult Choir, song in the Mass choir, Director over the Gospel Choir. She also helped out in the kitchen helping prepare and serve meals at the church even while dealing with pain from the cancer in her body. She continued attending church services even if it meant setting in the back of the church.

Mary graduated from Mansfield Senior High School. She was employed at the following places, Speedy’s Car Wash, Pepsi Cola Company Kroger on PAW where she was the first black cashier, which made a great statement in the Mansfield area. Mary worked over 32 years at Therm-O-Disc where she retired.

Mary leaves to cherish her loving memory; 1 son Johnnie B. Jr. (Tineka) Gibbs of California; 1 daughter Sherry L. (Elder Henry III) Bradley of Mansfield: 6 grandchildren Henry IV, Tigre, Cheyla Bradley, Johnnie B. Gibbs III all of Mansfield, Shawntrice Smith and Javonte’ Jenkins of California: 3 God Children Shawntaye Gamble of Euclid, OH, Durrell Hess of Indiana, Taonna Hunter, Akron, OH: 3 brothers Earl (Kim) Thomas of California, Albert (Wanda)Thomas and Jamery Jennings all of Mansfield: 4 sisters, Maryann Wright, Ollie R. (Jr.) Smith, Tina Thomas, Carol Morrison all of Mansfield; 2 Aunts Willa Mingle, Queen (JC) Gardner of Georgia: 1 Uncle Robert Brooks of Georgia and a host of nephews and nieces and cousins. Special friends Elder Renea Collins, Georgia Ann Cobb (cousin).

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Johnnie B. Thomas and Dale Thomas, grandparents, Uncles and Aunts.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at the New Community Temple COGIC conducted by Elder Henry Bradley, Jr. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to the services, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Wednesday at the church.

Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family of Mary J. Elder.