Stella Lackey Elder was born on September 8, 1930 in Whitmire, South Carolina. Her father was Elijah Martin Lackey and her mother was Minnie Estelle Crocker Lackey. Stella was the sixth of seven children to that union, of which there is one sibling surviving, Nellene Lackey Earnest who lives in Pickens, South Carolina. Stella was educated in the Whitmire public school system and Central Wesleyan College. In 1950, she was married to Russell Elder and served with him in pastoral ministry for 58 years. She was the much-loved mother of three children, Donald Russell Elder who now resides in Bend, Oregon; Steven Ray Elder who died in 2003 in Cincinnati, Ohio; and Sandra Kay Brill who resides in Anderson, South Carolina. Stella is survived by six grandchildren as follows: Lauren Elder who lives in Portland, Oregon; Dr. Benjamin Elder who lives in Nottingham, England; Adam and Kyle Elder who live in Los Angeles, California; Andrew Brill lives in Anderson, South Carolina; and Natalie Brill who lives in Anderson, South Carolina. Other family members are Michelle Kenney Elder, wife of Don Elder; Dr. Paul Brill, husband of Sandra Elder Brill; Heidi Armindinger Elder, widow of Steve Elder; and Elizabeth Heller, mother of Dr. Ben Elder and Lauren Elder. Stella Elder was a devout Christian who spent her adult life serving others as a pastor's wife. She played the piano or organ for worship services. She also taught Sunday School classes, provided counseling when needed, and was an excellent hostess in the church's social functions. Stella was a serious and productive worker, but she also enjoyed recreation such as water skiing, roller skating, and sailing as first mate on her husband's sailboat. Stella's earthly life came to an end on November 17, 2019, but her influence for good will continue for many years to come. The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00pm Thursday, November 21, 2019 at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held in the chapel at 1:30pm with Rev. Fred Andrews and Dr. Bob Black officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park. Events Visitation Thursday, November 21, 2019 12:00PM - 1:00PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Funeral Service Thursday, November 21, 2019 1:30PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Final Resting Place Hillcrest Memorial Park Pickens, SC Pickens, S 29671