Ginger Elder

Ginger Elder, born November 20, 1947, in West Memphis, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, in Conway, Arkansas. She was the cherished daughter of Earnestine Jones and Billie McCollum.

Ginger lived a life marked by deep faith, steadfast love for her family, and a passion for learning. She was a beloved sister to Karen McCollum and Mike McCollum, and is now reunited in eternity with her siblings Pat and Julius McCollum.

She was the proud mother of three children—Stacie White Smith, Greg White, and Bart White  — her step-children — Tahnya Price, Melanie Stitt, and Amanda Waln —whose lives she enriched with her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering support. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Chelsey Sherwood, Logan Sherwood, Edwin Grant Sherwood, Secret Stevens, and Michael White, and her great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Abram Taylor Chapman and many others. Ginger was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vilas Elder and grandson, Marvin Joshua Taylor, with whom she now rejoices in Heaven.

Later in life, Ginger pursued her dream of education, earning her teaching certificate and touching the lives of countless students with her dedication and care. She was a lifelong student herself, especially when it came to her faith. Ginger loved studying the Bible and found great inspiration through the teachings of Joyce Meyer and Michael Youssef.

Ginger lived with joyful anticipation of her heavenly home. She was ready to behold the glory of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ready to receive her new body. Ready to walk the streets of gold, reunited with loved ones who went before her.

Though her presence here will be deeply missed, we rejoice in knowing she is now in the arms of her Savior—whole, joyful, and home at last.

A service to celebrate Ginger’s life there will be a graveside service at 12 on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Piggott Cemetery.