Pauline "Pat" (South) Elders

Pauline "Pat" (South) Elders, age 97, of Herrin, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on April 30, 1928, in Energy, Illinois, she was the daughter of Eli Carol and Gertrude May (Roden) South. She married the love of her life, Walter J. "Bud" Elders, on February 19, 1948. He preceded her in death on October 23, 1995.

A devoted homemaker, Pauline cherished her family above all else. She found quiet joy in crocheting beautiful creations and losing herself in books, later embracing audiobooks when her eyesight began to fail. As a mother and grandmother, she was a steady pillar of love and support whose kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit touched everyone around her.

She is survived by her children, William Walter (Nita) Elders of Thompsonville, Steven Duane (Jane) Elders of Carterville, Michael Sidney (Victoria) Elders of Arab, Alabama, Sherry Lynn Elders of Herrin, and Cynthia Kay (John) McKee of Donna, Texas; grandchildren Emily Lester, Bryan Elders, Brandon (Joni) Elders, Amber Elders, William Elders, Jr., Michelle (Jeremy) Parillo, Teresa Elders, Friday Ebersohl-Porter, and Alexandria Porter; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren whom she adored. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Rhonda June Porter, her parents, her husband, her siblings, and her half-siblings.