Born June 3, 1936, Jo Ann Cantrell Elder, 80, died March 7 at her home after a lingering illness.
She was preceded in death by father James A. Cantrell; mother Hazel Hallum; brothers James E. (Jen) and Glenn A. Cantrell; brother-in-law Chuck Priest; nephews Danny, Brent and Gabriel Cantrell.
She is survived by husband, Rev. William R. Elder; brother Bob Cantrell (Juanita); sisters Jean Priest and Linda Parton (Austin); several nieces and nephews.
She graduated from Morrison High School in 1954 and was employed with AEDC in Tullahoma in 1955. She remained there until 1978 when she retired and married Rev. Elder of Ripley. She then moved to Ripley to help her husband pastor Conner Assembly of God Church. She was no stranger to church work since she was active in church and community beginning at a young age.
She attended Smartt Assembly of God Church where she held many titles such as secretary, organist, Sunday school teacher and others.
She will be remembered for her love for God and all mankind. That love was exemplified, even in her later days, when it was difficult for her to get around on a walker. She would visit the sick and did all she could to help anyone in need. She was truly a Lady of Grace.