Elmer Lee Alexander

As we retrace the footprints of Elmer Lee Alexander, we can only give thanks for the many lives he touched along life’s journey. A self confident man, he was blessed to enjoy many of God’s blessings as a child, a brother, a husband, a father, an uncle, grandfather and a friend. Elmer began his life’s journey on October 4, 1920 in Rosston, Arkansas as the son of Charlie & Augusta Alexander. He accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at an early age. Educated at Rosston High School, Elmer loved learning and even though he had to miss many days of school to “chop” and “pick” cotton, he was determined to obtain his education. Elmer grew up to be a handsome and intelligent young man. In search of a better life, Elmer moved to Rockford, Illinois. He met the beautiful Erma Jackson and after a brief courtship they married on December 14, 1954. Together, Elmer and Erma shared a beautiful devotion for one another that radiated like a brilliant and beautiful light for others to emulate. To their inseparable and prosperous union, God blessed them with two sons, Rickey and Kevin. On January 25, 2011 his beloved Erma transitioned from time into eternity. As a husband and father, Elmer began to feel a strong sense of spiritual assignment to inspire and enrich the lives of not only his family, but everyone he met. Subsequently, at Providence Baptist Church, Elmer served as chairman of the trustee board. He was a member of Welcome Star Lodge #36. Elmer retired in 1993 as Sergeant and Jailer at the Winnebago County Sheriff Department. Any and everyone who knew Elmer would attest that he “meant what he said, and said what he meant”. After retirement he worked part time for Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home for several years. Elmer was a great entertainer and often his home was the center where friends and father could gather. He was a “grill master” and well known for his culinary talents including his homemade BBQ sauce. Elmer was a big man not only in statue but also in heart; he was friend to many, never met a stranger, always willing to lend a helping hand. After living in Rockford for over 60 years; he moved back “home” to Arkansas in 2012 where he would spend his last and final day of his life. On January 4, 2013, his life here on earth came to close in Prescott, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Augusta, his beloved wife Erma, sons Elmer Alexander, Jr., Kevin Alexander and daughter Cassie “Fannie” Lilly. He leaves to celebrate and honor his life’s journey: His son Rickey Alexander of Austin, Texas; Two daughters Sarah Ann McGhee of Gurdon, Arkansas and Erma Simmons of Rockford, Illinois; one brother Jake (Beulah) Alexander of California; One sister Essie Sockwell of Dallas, Texas; several grandchildren, a special granddaughter Stephanie D. Moore of Gurdon, Arkansas; great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends Public visitation will be held at Williams Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 8, 2012 from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will be shared on Friday, January 11, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Providence Baptist Church in Rockford, Illinois with Rev. Decarto Draper officiating under Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home of Rockford, Illinois. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved Erma at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Rockford.