Sarah Grace Cox Elder

SARAH GRACE COX ELDER, age 81, of Olive Branch, MS, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Baptist Hospital. She was born Dec. 26, 1931 in Pontotoc, MS to the late Rev. Frank H. Cox and Grace Denton Cox. She was also predeceased by her brother, Frank H. Cox, Jr. all of New Albany, MS.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Ernie Elder, Sr.; her son Rev. Dr. Ernie Elder, Jr. and wife Angela of Lafayette, IN; sister Miriam Cox Fitzpatrick (Jim) of Cordova, TN; niece Millicent Adney of Cordova, and niece Amy Grace Hinrichs of Clearwater, FL. She is also mourned by loving Elder nieces and nephews.

New Albany, MS, where she graduated from high school was home during her early life. She received a B.A. Degree from Blue Mountain College (MS) where she was a member of the Euzelian Society and Scribblers Literary Club. Her love of literature, art, music and history continued throughout her life. May 31, 1953,she married Ernie Elder and went as a bride with him to Germany while he was in the U. S. Army. They lived in Memphis until moving to Olive Branch in 1996.

A faithful member of First Baptist Church, Memphis, she was a teacher in children’s Sunday School and adult women’s Bible Study. She served in Baptist Women and Chancel Choir. Most of all she was a caring, loving friend, even to many who could not respond in kind.

For 31 years she taught Fifth Grade in Memphis City Schools. Her artistic and music ability made her an exceptional teacher in areas within and outside the classroom. She was a witty, charming story teller who spellbound her younger sister and friends with her unique humor .

Her interests included singing in musicals at Front Street Theater, (Theater Memphis)her favorite being MY FAIR LADY. She also appeared in the Metropolitan Opera Chorus.

Her home and garden were always lovely because of her eye for beauty and attention to detail. She did all things well.

Services will be at First Baptist Church, Memphis, Dr. David Breckenridge, pastor, officiating. Visitation Saturday night, April 20 at 5:00-8:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Poplar and Parkway. Funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 21,First Baptist Church. Interment to follow at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 Germantown Pkwy. (Bartlett) (901) 388-5135.