Louella Collier

Elder

Louella Collier Elder, born March 7, 1955, entered into eternal rest and made her ascension to Heaven on June 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Louella was the dearly beloved daughter of Mattie Lou Neal Collier and Willie Floyd Collier. She was raised in a loving family and attended Pike County High School, graduating in the year 1973.

A woman of deep faith, Louella dedicated her life to serving God and others. During her younger years, she enjoyed playing the organ at her church, Joyful Tabernacle of Praise and singing and directing the choir. It was there that she met the love of her life, Willie Elder, who she married on December 20, 1975.

Louella and Willie shared a remarkable love story that spanned 50 years. Their marriage was built on faith, devotion, and unwavering commitment. Through every season of life, Willie cherished Louella and loved her deeply. He remained faithfully by her side, caring for and supporting her until the very end. Their bond was a beautiful testament to enduring love and partnership.

Their loving union was blessed with three children: Darius Torres Elder (Kenya Elder), JaQuanda Janay Elder (Jeremy Cupid), and Natalya Sherrell Elder. She was also a devoted godmother to Alicia Johnson, whom she loved as her own.

Louella loved music and spent much of her life pouring into young people through the church choir. Her passion for worship and music touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on her church community. She was known for her warm spirit, kind heart, and willingness to encourage and uplift others.

She was preceded in death by parents, Willie Floyd Collier and Mattie Lou Neal Collier, her grandbaby, Jianna Cupid, her siblings, Earnest Shannon, Leon Shannon, Willie Roger Shannon, William "Billy" Shannon, James Charles Collier, Benny Floyd Collier, Emmet Shannon, Willie Roger Collier, and Arlene C. Neal.

Louella's greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind her husband of 50 years, Willie Elder, her four beloved grandchildren: Kiersten Elder, Jazline Pitts, Joshua Cupid, and Ja'el Cupid, three cherished god-grandchildren; Chase Walters, Mason Copeland, and Meagan Copeland, her beloved siblings, Lucille Collier Thompson, Delouise Collier, Louis (Shirley) Shannon, her sisters-in-law, Louise Shannon, Caroline Shannon, Bessie Collier, and Barbara Collier, and her brother-in-law, Pastor Roger Neal, Sr. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and dear friends.

You may be wondering why there are no remarks today. Louella was adamant about one belief: "May the works I've done speak for me." These were her personal wishes. She preferred that her life and legacy be reflected through the love she shared and the lives she touched.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice in knowing that Louella's faith has become sight. Her legacy of love, service, music, and devotion to family will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her. " I am the miracle that God intended me to be. I am healed from every burden, whole in His presence, and forever free."

Viistation will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Burden's Funeral Home. Service will be helsd on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at Burden's Funeral Home. The body will ie in state one hour prior to the service hour. Interment will follow in Moody's Memorial Garden. Pastor Gerod D. Duff is the Eulogist.