J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Elder, Kathryn W.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Kathryn Wright Elder, 66, of Petersburg died Friday, January 30, 2009 surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with MS for over 34 years. She was a native of Petersburg born the daughter of the late Augustus and Louise Wright. Kathie was a member of Christ & Grace Episcopal Church, a co-founder of the Petersburg Chapter of the MS Society in 1975 and helped with the American Cancer Society. She also enjoyed visiting residents in local nursing homes, especially the Petersburg Home for Ladies. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Ronald T. Elder, Sr.; two sons R. Thomas Elder, Jr and his wife Sonyia, and Charles A. Elder and his girlfriend Penny; three grandchildren Brett, Jake and Kailey Elder; a sister Elizabeth Ann Tucker and husband Larry; a brother Cleveland A. Wright and wife Suzanne; and her best friend and care-taker Gail Evans. She was also preceded in death by her sister Sallie W. Harrison. The family will receive friends Monday, February 2nd at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service from 6 to 8 pm. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11 am at Christ & Grace Episcopal Church with Rev. David Teschner and Rev. Boston Lackey officiating. Interment will follow in Blandford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Christ & Grace Church for Christmas Outreach, 1545 S. Sycamore St., Petersburg, VA, 23805; or the Petersburg Home For Ladies Activities Fund, 311 S. Jefferson St., Petersburg, VA, 23803; or the Central Virginia Chapter of the MS Society, 2112 W. Laburnum Ave, Suite 204, Richmond, VA, 23227. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com

Tommie:

I'm sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She has been a source of inspiration for me many times, and you have my deepest sympathies.

Duncan

Posted by: Duncan Minton at February 17, 2009 09:51 AM

My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Ronnie and your family in the passing of Kathie. She and I had one PE class together at PHS. God bless you and give you confort in your time of sorrow.

Posted by: Janie (Kyle) Campbell at February 3, 2009 01:13 PM

Kathie was one of the very first persons to befriend me when I entered Petersburg High School in my junior year. We remained friends throughout our young married years. Even though I moved away 30 years ago, Kathie and her spirit, her wonderful husband and children were often in my thoughts/memories.
God bless you Ronnie and keep you and yours safe--until you reunite with the person you loved most in this world.

Posted by: Christa (Clements) Pagan at February 3, 2009 07:45 AM

I was so saddened to hear of Kathy's passing. I remember her in high school as a happy gal full of spice, who loved life and lived it with a good sense of humor.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your families.

Cheryl

Posted by: Cheryl Zatcoff Geller at February 2, 2009 08:00 PM

Tommie
I am so sorry to hear your mother passed away today. Even though it has been many years since I have seen her, I have a perfect portrait of her in my mind from the days we played together at your house in Petersburg. I will be thinking about you and your family tomorrow during the funeral service.
From your Bollingbrook classmate
Jay

Posted by: Jay Bergen at February 2, 2009 06:32 PM

My sincere sympathy to Ronnie and the family. I remember Kathie's cheerful ways during our fun-filled high school days. May God's peace be with you all. Doug Bowman, PHS '61

Posted by: Doug Bowman at February 1, 2009 05:03 PM

My heart goes out to the Elder family members. Many years ago, I had the pleasure of speaking to Kathie from time to time during my employment at VA Concrete Construction. I do know Ronnie provided excellent care for her here on earth, and she remains in good hands with the Lord. Continue to hold Kathie in your hearts. My thoughts and Prayers, Heather

Posted by: Heather Carter at February 1, 2009 04:20 PM

Love and prayers are with you all during these difficult days. She was truly loved and cared for by you Ronnie and her loving children and family.
Be comforted in the fact that there is no more pain, no more suffering she is whole again, safe in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior
Gloria and WF Dance
Arie Guy Fenderson Blankenship

Posted by: arie fenderson Blankenship at February 1, 2009 11:03 AM

What a true blessing Kathie was to all she came in contact with. Everytime I saw her, she was happy. She so loved her family and friends and always made sure that she took the time to do for others who were less fortunate. Her tireless efforts to help with the Outreach Program for Christ and Grace truly made Christmas special for so many families in the Tri-City area. Her MS was just an inconvenience to her. We all have so much to learn from her hunger for a full life. Kathie knew how to embrace it and live it to her fullest ability. Ronnie's love and devotion for her is the epitome of a true love story.

Posted by: Bg Brinkley at January 31, 2009 11:38 PM