Miss Sandra Lee Elder, 52, of Covington, joined her loved ones in heaven Nov. 4. Miss Elder suffered a ruptured aortic aneurysm and died during surgery while visiting Seacrest Beach, Fla., with family. She was born in 1960 in Pittsburgh, Pa., the first of James and Jean Elder's four children, moved with her parents to Lighthouse Point, Fla., at the age of 2. She was a graduate of Highlands Christian Academy, Pompano Beach, and received her associate of arts degree from Broward Community College, Fort Lauderdale. She was certified as a Montessori teacher and worked for 15 years at Unity School, Delray Beach. In 1996, she moved with her parents to Covington and worked at Children's Friend, Conyers, and the preschool nursery of First Presbyterian Church, Covington. Her faith was an important part of her life. Miss Elder was confirmed at Community Presbyterian Church, Deerfield Beach, where she later served as a children's Sunday school teacher and deacon. She continued her church life at First Presbyterian Church, Covington. She enjoyed participating in the Ambassador Choir and ministering to those in nursing homes. Miss Elder reveled in her life in Covington. She was a familiar figure in the Melody community where she lived and walked her beloved dog Tiny. A lover of animals, Miss Elder adopted and cared for a large number of pets throughout her life. Miss Elder cared deeply for her friends at the TOPS program and her sisters in Circle 1.
Surviving are her loving and devoted parents with whom she lived throughout her life, Jim and Jean Elder; her sister Terry Elder of Naples, Fla.; brothers Russ Elder of Atlanta and Scott and wife Stacy Elder of Tucker. Miss Elder loved and was loved by her nieces and nephews Jessica Conley (Harry), children Brooke and Brody, Jennifer, Kirsten, Lane, Grace, Rose and Grant Elder. Her extended family consists of many aunts, uncles and cousins across the country. She claimed and referred to herself as honorary daughter of Marjorie and Vince Lentini, whose kindness to her was without bounds.
Those desiring may make a memorial gift to the Ambassador Choir, First Presbyterian Church, 1169 Clark St., Covington 30014, or the Sandy Elder Memorial Fund at Newton Federal Bank Post Office, Box 1037, Covington 30015, to establish a dog walk area at Chimney Park, Covington.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the First Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow in the Martin Fellowship Hall.