Bennie Mae Elder

Bennie Mae Dye Elder, born June 18, 1930 transitioned to God's peaceful rest on March 7, 2025. Her remarkable heritage, rooted in the Duren, Dye, McCullough, Shropshire family history, where she was the matriarch of the family, is a testament to her ancestors' strength and courage. Her parents, born shortly after the anti-slavery movement paved the way for her arrival during the Great Depression. Her father David Dye, born in 1883, and mother, Francis Fleming raised her with eight other children, who all preceded her in death. Bennie's family history and rich heritage is a story of resilience which inspired her values and ideals.

Bennie grew up in the rural section of Lancaster, SC and attended public schools designated for black children. She attended Lancaster Training School which provided diverse experiences that nurtured her inquisitive nature and where she mastered subject matter fairly easily. Later, she married Willie Elder and together they had eight children and a prized grandson who they affectionately considered their own. Bennie loved people, especially children and babies. In addition to her own children, she fostered three other children and was the "adopted" mother to many of the children in her "Southside" neighborhood where she resided for most of her adult life.

She was raised in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church that gave her the supports that guided her spiritually and parentally. She grew up in Mt. Calvary AME Zion Church and at the time of her death was the "Mother of the Church". She often said that she worshipped a God who "provided"!  And provide He did for her and her family. She was able to graduate four children from college and supported all her children in their chosen endeavors. In her community, she worked with her social club, the Southside Socialites, to supply food to grieving families and interacted with them socially and in other meaningful ways. Until her illness, Bennie was also a faithful member of the Order of Eastern Star Queen Elizabeth Chapter 179. Bennie was engaging, spunky and lively. She captured life with zest and absorbed all of its beauty.

As a worker, she was consistently dedicated, honoring her name (Bennie) which means "Son of my right hand" denoting distinction and favor. She was employed as a certified nurse's assistant (CNA) at Leroy Springs Memorial Hospital for over 30 years. She spent a lot of her time there working in the Nursery with babies that she loved.

On the morning of March 7, Bennie closed this chapter of her earthly life. Her last words were, " l shall fear no evil, for the Lord is with me".

Bennie was the only remaining child of David and Francis Dye. She was preceded in death by three of her children, Shelia Elder Houze (Thomas), Dwight Thomas Elder and Anthony Lamar Elder. She is survived by four daughters, Willie Jean Cannon (Guesner) of Augusta GA, Gwendolyn Elder of Lancaster SC, Marilyn Cole (Allen) of Glen Allen VA and Bridgit Morris (Kenneth) of Mechanicsville VA; one son, Douglas Elder (Sandra) of Lancaster SC; a devoted grandson, Lamont Elder (Tymeria) of Lancaster SC; a niece ràised as a sister, Annie Ruth Clyburn of Lancaster SC; twelve grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

A special thanks to Bennie's caregivers during her illness: Lavern Kirk, Martha Barnes, Shawn Drakeford, Regina White and the late Stephanie Haggins. Gratitude is also extended to Hospice and Community Care of Rock Hill, SC for their care during the final stage of Bennie's life.

Acknowledgement

The family of Mrs. Bennie Mae Elder wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many comforting messages, floral tributes, prayers, thoughts, good deeds and many other expressions of kindness.

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