JoLee McElrath's Obituary
JoLee McElrath, 72, of Decatur, affectionately known as Josie or Miss White, departed this life at 2:50 am Monday, September 20, 2010 in her home as she slept.
JoLee was born to Joe and Mary Minnie Mae Williams on June 11, 1938 in Shelby, MS. She moved to Decatur as a young child. She joined New Salem Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Samuel Hale. She later joined Greater Northside Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Marshall Hughes where she was member of the Mass Choir until her health began to fail. She met and married Sydney White Jr. He is deceased. To this union five children were born. After the death of her best friend Nancy, she adopted her children; she then met and married Robert Landon McElrath. He is also deceased. In 1971 she joined the staff of Department of Children and Family Services where she was employed until she retired. Many of “her kids”, the ones that she helped in the community, continued to call her Mom until her death. Mother never met a stranger. She helped anyone who came along even after her health was failing. She is at peace now, never to have pain and suffering again. She is survived by daughters: Gloria, Schewonda Byron, and Shevell; sons, Sydney III, Joe L. and Joe E. Tanya; special step-son, Nathaniel Dandridge and special son-in-law, Donald Woods; sisters, Ruth, Joyce, Le bertha, Judy, and Brenda; brothers, Hosea, Terry, and Jerry; grandchildren, Antoine, Devan, Donald, Branden L., Joshua, Branden J., Lashonda, Joseph, Josiah, Josanee, Trinity Joy, and Jareel; many great-grandchildren and special grandchild Herman Jones. She will be greatly missed
She was preceded in death by five children, one brother, parents, Joe and Mary Williams; grandparents, Joe and Katie Williams, and Barry and Maggie Hopkins.
Homegoing services will be 11:00 am Friday, October 1, 2010 in Greater Northside Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Waddell officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service in the church. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
The family of JoLee McElrath has entrusted the care of their loved one to Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL.
What’s your fondest memory of JoLee?
What’s a lesson you learned from JoLee?
Share a story where JoLee's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with JoLee you’ll never forget.
How did JoLee make you smile?