Obituary of Golda Marie Elder

Obituary

Golda Marie Jenkins Elder, a remarkable and cherished soul, lived a life that spanned from April 20, 1936 to September 29, 2025. Born as the sixth of seven children to the late David and Helen Perry Jenkins, Golda was a beacon of light and love to all who knew her.

After graduating from Ralph McKee Vocational High School in 1954 as a talented seamstress, she carried this dedication and focus throughout her career. Golda retired from the Department of Justice, where she served as an Immigration Officer. Her time on the job was marked by her engaging and playful personality, interacting with people from many cultures. She often invented her own language and names for herself, delighting in being called “Golda Marie Carmelita Rosetta Elder and any other combination she could conjure.

Golda was married to the late Billy Elder and together they raised three children: Evette, William (Ivette) and Garnell. Golda devoted her life to her family and community. Her vibrant and unique spirit was evident in everything she did, from her love of bowling to her mastery of crochet, puzzles, crosswords, dominoes, and checkers.

After retirement always active full of life, Golda enjoyed many passions. She was a dedicated bowler, and a fervent player of Bingo. She also had a great love for lottery scratch offs always holding out hope for the that lucky win.

Golda also demonstrated her selfless nature through her volunteer work at the Brighton Heights Reformed Church food pantry, where she assisted those in need with compassion and dedication.

Golda's legacy of love and warmth will continue to live on through her children and the fond memories shared by all who had the privilege to know her.

Her vibrant and unique spirit will be dearly missed but never forgotten. She leaves behind a legacy and laughter to be celebrated by her brother Raymond Jenkins (Barbara); her children Evette, William (Ivy)and Garnell, her five grandchildren, Jennifer (Charles) Carter, Destiny Elder, Garnell Elder Jr. Faith and Hope Elder her two great grandchildren Cierra Gibson and James Gibson and three great-great grandchildren Noah Gibson, Gema and Nova Santmier along with a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brother David, and four sisters, Helen (Turner) Cornelia (Sissy-Hurd), Doris (Allen) and Muriel (Simmons).