Clara K. Elder

Clara Kelley Elder, 91, of Atlanta, Georgia died Friday, June 12 at Emory St. Joseph’s hospital following a sudden illness. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 18 at 2 pm with visitation beginning at 1 pm at Floral Hills Funeral Home in Tucker, Georgia.

Mrs. Elder was born in the mountains of Hiawassee, Georgia in 1934 to the late George and Ethel Kelley. She was the oldest daughter of eight children. Mrs. Elder was a graduate of Towns County High School class of 1952. After moving to Toccoa, she met the love of her life Odell Elder on a blind date. He was in the Air Force at the time. After some time apart while Odell was serving in Japan, they married in 1955 and lived in Savannah, Georgia where Odell was stationed. After being discharged from the Air Force, Odell and Clara found their way to Atlanta where they remained the rest of their lives. They were married for 56 years before Odell’s death.

Clara lived a very active and enjoyable life. Mrs. Elder was a member of Northeast Baptist Church in Atlanta where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School and singing at nursing homes as well as several other duties. She was a graduate of Perry Business College and continued her education at Mercer University in Atlanta. She worked for Atlantic Steel, Micromeritics, and Latex Construction Company.

In her earlier years, she was a trophy winning tennis player in the Alta league. Clara loved to travel and had visited 48 states as well as three foreign countries with Ireland being her favorite. She was also an award-winning artist and was able to sell several paintings. Clara loved conversation and enjoyed playing bridge in two different bridge groups. Most of all she loved her family including her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and many great friends.

Mrs. Elder is preceded by her husband, parents, in-laws Roy and Wilma Elder, brothers and wives Guy (Louise) Kelley and Daniel (Sharon) Kelley, sister-in-laws, Dottie Kelley, Louise Kelley, and Doris (Paul) Reeves and brother in laws, Troy (Fannie) Elder and Gene (Clarice) Elder.

Clara is survived by her son and his wife Jeff and Lea Beth Elder, her daughter, Elizabeth Elder, grandsons Josh (Anna) Elder, Jake Elder, and Jonathan Elder and great grandchildren Lydia and David Joshua. She is also survived by her sisters, Joyce Baker (Billy), Virginia Kimsey (Philip), Brenda Johnson (Ted) and brothers, Roger Kelley and Colin Kelley along with many nephews and nieces. She is also survived by her brother-in-law’s John Elder (Wanda), James Elder (Sandra), and Herman Elder (Nancy). The Elder family would like to thank Rosie for caring for Mrs. Elder during the last several months and the Cooper family for being there for her.