Bobby Jean Pennell Elder

Bobby Jean Elder, age 95, of Taylorsville, NC, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025. Born November 2, 1930, in Mooresville, she was preceded in death by her parents, Maggie and Perry Pennell; her devoted husband, Harold Elder; daughter, Gail Hurt; and sister, Hazel Hefner.

She is survived by her son, Kim Elder of Hickory; grandchildren, Merredith Rigot, and Zach Hurt; sisters, Brenda Bowman, Tony Carrigan, and Sylvia Harrington; brother, Johnny Pennell; special friend, Glenda Barnes, and several great-grandchildren.

Bobby Jean worked in the furniture industry before finding fulfillment as a nursing assistant at Alexander Hospital. She was an avid walker, often averaging 10 miles a day at her peak. Her love for baking was unmatched – sometimes making six cakes a day and would donate all the proceeds to Brenner Children’s Cancer Fund at Wake Forest.

Her life was marked by extraordinary kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. She touched countless lives through her involvement in Forgiven Ministry and through selfless acts of giving.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Carson Chapel in Taylorsville at 3:00 pm. Darren Barnes, Mark Barnes, Andy Barnes, Wayne Barnes, Ty Hollar, and Randy Walch will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brenner Children’s Cancer Fund at Wake Forest Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 571021, Winston-Salem, NC 27157.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. – 2 Timothy 4:7

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com