Joeretha ‘Mama Joe’ Elder of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away Monday, April 17, 2017 at Buffalo General Hospital.
She was born in Georgiana, AL, on October 19, 1935, the daughter of the late Richard and Mary Lou [Anderson] and Cora Lee Rich.
Mrs. Elder came to Niagara Falls in 1956. She was a nurse technician at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital, DeVeaux Manor and at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, for over 30 years, before retiring in 1999. Mrs. Elder was a Foster Parent with Hopevale, Inc. for many years.
She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. Mrs. Elder loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed cooking and will be remembered for helping others in their time of need.
Mrs. Elder was the wife of the late James E. “Biscuit” Elder, who died in July of 2007. She is survived by two sons Steven (Diane) Elder and Joseph (Michelle) Elder, three daughters Shirley Rich-Peterson, Darlene Rich-Humphery and Doreen (Lee) Rich-Madkin, one sister Voncile Payne, 17 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Henry, Sam and Clara Lee Rich.
Her family will be present on Sunday from 4-6 PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 1124 Ontario Ave NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Funeral Services will be held Monday at 11:00 AM at Potter’s House Christian Community Church, 723 7th Street, Niagara Falls, NY, with the Rev. Celestine Booze officiating.
Interment in Acacia Park Cemetery, Town of Pendleton, NY.