Joe Elmore

Joe Elmore age 95, of Vestavia Hills, Alabama died peacefully at home on November 12, 2026. For over 50 years, Joe was a United Methodist minister, serving churches in Sylacauga, Birmingham, Anniston and Tuscaloosa. Joe preached the gospel of Jesus Christ and the abundant grace of God - unconditional, all-inclusive, never-ending love. He lived as he preached. He never stopped ministering. Every day, up until his last week, he published on social media his “Graceword” - which were reflections on life and loving. One of his favorite quotes is from Joseph Fort Newton: “Life is a flicker, the briefest thing, blown out before we’re able to turn around. There is no time in its fleeting instant for anything but love.”

If you ever visited Joe in his home, you were very aware how much he loved his family, for the walls were covered with pictures of his children, grandchildren and great-grands! He is preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, his parents, Lucian and Beatrice Elmore, and his sister, Lucy Coe. He is survived by his children, Joey and Louisa Elmore, Janene and Paul Miller, Joy and Lem Meherg, his grandchildren, Garrett Miller, Dean and Catherine Elmore, Jay and Shelby Elmore, Allison and Jake Woolley, Matt and Chandler Meherg, and Clay and Christiana Meherg. The blessings of his old age were his 12 great-grandchildren, Janie Miller, Cora, Selah and Olive Elmore, James, Anna Lou and Mack Elmore, Miller and Boyd Woolley, Molly and Merritt Meherg, and Cate Meherg. He is also survived by his niece, Cathy Coe.

One of Joe’s favorite verses is Isaiah 43:1-5. He had a special “Joe’s version” he often used at funerals and in ministering: “Joe (or insert your own name here), the Lord who created you says, ‘Do not be afraid - I will save you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through deep waters I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. For I am the Lord your God… who saves you… You are precious to me… I love you… Do not be afraid - I am with you! And I will bring you home.’”

A Celebration of Grace will be held Friday, November 20, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in downtown Birmingham at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held prior to the celebration in the church dining room at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a gift to the Justice and Mercy Ministries at First United Methodist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, Doctors Without Borders, or Greater Birmingham Ministries.

Services are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel Funeral Home & Cremation Service (205-879-3401) in Homewood.