Bobbie Jean Elders

Bobbie remained in Pleasant Hill for her formative years, where she was first introduced to cooking by her father who owned a small cafe in Pleasant Hill. It was during this time she obtained what would later be the foundation for an exceptional set of skills in the kitchen. During her teen years she decided to move to California in the early 1950s, following her older sisters Zelma and Alice. Once there, she completed and graduated from Sequoia High School in Redwood City, California.

Bobbie met and later married Leon Elders in 1957 and settled in Menlo Park, Ca. A few years later they had their first born Marilyn Elders Butler, and shortly after their second daughter Leona Holland. Bobbie did carry to term a third child but unexpectedly experienced a still birth which would’ve been their first boy, Adam.

Bobbie and Leon mutually decided to end their union in 1974 but remained great friends.

Bobbie was a long time employee with the Ravenswood City School District working in the cafeterias as a cook until she retired in 1997. Whether at work or at home she enjoyed cooking some of the best comfort foods from scratch and with unmeasured recipes. She also loved to play cards and dominoes on a daily with her sister Alice and cousin Redell. Bobbie was no stranger to opening her home to loved ones that may be experiencing troubled times and needed a place to stay.

Bobbie was an active member of St John Missionary Baptist Church of East Palo Alto until 2008, when she moved from her family home to Stockton with her daughters. It was in Stockton where she spent the remaining part of her years surrounded by the love of her family.

Preceding her in death were her parents Anthony and Oma Lee Davis, as well as her oldest sister Zelma M. Davis.

Bobbie loved her family dearly. Her kindness and generosity will forever be remembered by her older sister Alice M. Julian; her loving children, Marilyn (Mae) Elders Butler, Leona (Lynn) Holland; two son in laws, Morris (Pete) Butler III, Joseph (Pup) Holland; six Grandchildren, Marshall (Donte) Fairley, Myiesha Prince, Jennifer Fairley, Joseph (Joey) Holland, Candice Butler, Jacqueline (Jolyn) Holland; six great grandchildren, Ajene, Sanai, Jaylen, Emery, Isaiah, and Dylan; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.