Christine Elder

Mother Christine Elder was born on Tuesday, February 9, 1943, in Tennille, Georgia, to the late Forest and Nellie Paris Johnson. She peacefully entered eternal rest on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the age of 82.

The third of fourteen children, Mother Elder was raised in a large and loving family that nurtured her generous spirit and deep compassion. These early years shaped her strong faith and commitment to service, laying the groundwork for a life dedicated to helping others.

She received her early education in the schools of Washington County, Georgia. As a teenager, she relocated to Connecticut, where she graduated from Crosby High School and later pursued post-secondary business studies that prepared her for a career in public service as a social worker, supporting and serving the community with exceptional dedication. Her compassion and work ethic left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of working with her.

Mother Elder was married to the late Wesley T. Elder II. Their love endured so strongly that they were joined in marriage not once, but twice, reflecting the lasting connection they shared.

Mother Elder was known for her extraordinary generosity, often preparing an entire Thanksgiving meal exclusively for her neighbors. This selfless act earned her the affectionate nickname “Angel” from those she lovingly served. Whether feeding the hungry, furnishing homes, preparing warm meals, or opening her doors to those in need, including the homeless, she gave freely and without expectation. Her home became a refuge, a place of healing, wisdom, laughter, and love. Guests often found it difficult to leave, as her kindness, cooking, and presence offered a deep sense of peace. She created a space where burdens were lightened and hearts were comforted.

A devoted servant of God, she humbly answered His call to serve as Church Mother. In 1980, when she was thirty-seven years old, she was entrusted with this honored position, becoming the youngest individual ever ordained to this office in the Church of God in Christ, Jurisdiction Number One.” She stepped into the role with grace, strength, and unwavering faith, becoming a beacon of guidance to all who encountered her. For 12 years, she served at her former church, New Deliverance Church of God in Christ in Waterbury, Connecticut, where she was a beloved spiritual leader and mentor, nurturing her church family with steadfast devotion.

Always operating from a heart of giving, Mother Elder established a soup kitchen in the fellowship hall of her former church. She personally prepared and served home-cooked meals, offering nourishment and dignity to those in need. Her faithful work with the soup kitchen was later recognized in the Waterbury Republican Newspaper, a reflection of the deep impact she made in the community. Upon moving to Durham, North Carolina, she was again called to assume the role of Church Mother at her new church, New Covenant United Holy Church. In both congregations, she served with quiet strength, deep humility, and unshakable devotion, inspiring others through the way she demonstrated her faith daily in both word and deed.

Mother Elder was lovingly firm and feisty in the most endearing way. She had a commanding presence that inspired respect, balanced by a warm heart that welcomed all. She was a matriarch not only to her family but also to many others who turned to her for wisdom and spiritual guidance. Her home was a sanctuary for all who entered, offering food, advice, comfort, listening ears, and even cooking lessons. A true lady of style, always beautifully dressed, effortlessly graceful, never without a touch of sparkle, perfectly polished from head to toe.

Mother Elder exemplified the scripture she treasured: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Luke 6:31). She had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Each Sunday, a line formed as members of the congregation awaited her warm, welcoming embrace—a testament to how dearly she was loved. Her presence brought strength, comfort, and love to everyone she met.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children: Minister Saiji Elder (of the home), Shawn Elder (Jennifer) of South Carolina, Syboney McNair (Eugene) of Durham, and Minister Danielle Elder McMillan (Renardo) of Fuquay-Varina. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Darwin Elder, whose memory remained a cherished part of her life.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Alicia Taylor (Jai), Shawan Elder Borders (Lyndon), Shalonda Harris (Trey), Kevin Lee Moore, and Minister Kendell Moore. She also found great joy as a great-grandmother to Aiden, Ava, and Ashton.

She is also survived by her siblings: Carrie Johnson of Georgia, Alvin Johnson (Brenda) of Georgia, Mary Ann Johnson of Georgia, Calvin Johnson and Elder James Johnson, both of Connecticut; as well as Jean Johnson, Elders Joseph Johnson (Tracey), and Elder Melvin Johnson (Laverne), all of Georgia. She leaves behind her dear aunt, Vivian Mitchell of North Carolina, who is her twin in both appearance and heart. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Duncan Elder of Maryland. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who loved her deeply and were touched by her presence throughout her life.

In addition, she is also lovingly remembered by her dear friend, Wanda Cooper, whom she affectionately called “Miss Wonderful,” a friend whose decades-long friendship brought her joy and unwavering support. She is also survived by her godson, David Warren, who always held a special place in her heart and shared a bond of love and respect throughout the years.

Mother Elder is also survived by two daughters of the heart: Michele Warren, who is more than a friend and a lifelong part of the family, and Sadie Alston (Ricky), who lovingly asked Mother Elder to be her mother after the loss of her own. Both received the same love, devotion, and care that Mother Elder gave to her own children.

Mother Elder deeply loved her family, friends, church family, and community, and that love was returned in abundance. Her life stood as a witness to grace, compassion, servant-hood, and a sincere love for Jesus. Her legacy will continue to live on in the many lives she touched, and she will be profoundly missed.