A native of Franklin, N.C., she lived in East Ridge for 54 years.
She was a member of Jones Memorial United Methodist Church and a member of the “55 and Alive” and Adult Sunday school classes.
She had a full and active life leaving a legacy of kindness and selflessness to all she met. Her humor and gentle spirit were admired by all who met her, even if it was for the first time.
She graduated from Brevard College in North Carolina, and was an original member of the Virginia Lodge Project.
During World War II, she was employed by TVA with the building of Fontana Dam in North Carolina. This is where she met the love of her life, Fredrick Lee Elrod, who wanted to help with the war effort by enlisting, but couldn’t because of a health issue. They were married in Franklin, N.C., on Sept. 25, 1943.
She shared her husband’s love for Southern gospel music. Fred traveled and sang with the Harmoneers, the Homeland Harmony and Melody Makers Quartets for many years.
After moving to Chattanooga, she was employed by NABISCO, retiring on Sept. 1, 1984. Following her retirement, she enjoyed traveling with family and friends and enjoying her grandchildren.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt and will be greatly missed by all.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fredrick Lee Elrod; and brother, Mack Duncan of Athens.
Survived include her sons: Richard (Jeanette) Elrod of East Ridge, and Russell (Claudia) Elrod of Nashville; grandchildren: Michelle (Jamey) Gaston of Rock Hill, S.C., and Beth (Everett) Chretien of Oak Ridge; great-grandchildren: Tori and Matthew Gaston and Emily and Lily Chretien; brother, Porter (Cleo) Duncan of Franklin, N.C.; sister-in-law, Betty Duncan of Austin, Texas; nieces and nephews: Don (Beth) Duncan, Terah (Lloyd) Starnes, Debbie (Reggie) Parker, Debbie Mcintyre and Tonya Shisler; and several great-nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church (East Ridge) at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 6, 2011.
Interment will follow at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens in Cleveland.
Pallbearers will be Jamey Gaston, Everett Chretien, Taylor Wilkey, Ralph Eidson Jr., and Trey Lewallen.
The Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.
