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Daphne Elder Obituary
Sept. 11 was Daphne Ferlinda Elder's first day back at work after a glorious week of vacation with her sister. A business analyst at Marsh & McLennan, at 2 World Trade Center, Ms. Elder was expected in at 10 a.m. on some days, 8:30 a.m. on others. That Tuesday was an early day.
Jimmy Elder, Daphne's father, was a few blocks north of the twin towers when the first plane crashed. "I thought it was an accident but then the other plane hit," he said. His cell phone rang, but all he heard was static. "It had to be her."
All day Mr. Elder stayed as close to the scene as possible, hoping for news of his daughter, 36. He went home around 10 p.m.
The family of four children that Mr. Elder and his wife, Josephine, raised in Upper Manhattan was always close. One happy memory: a 1993 trip to Disney World where they all swam, fished and picked oranges. Even though the children were scattered across the metropolitan area, all six got together for lunch every Saturday. "Daphne was a loving person," Mr. Elder said. "She called me every day to find out how I'm doing, what did I eat, did I get some rest. That's what I really miss."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cindy Roe
September 11, 2021
Remembering Daphne on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
We invite all family and friends to walk with us in memory.
Armando Aviles
September 6, 2021
We invite all family and friends to walk with us in memory of loved ones lost.
Jeff Hawkins
September 1, 2020
We are coming up on the 9/11 Memorial and I am thinking of you and your family. I hope all is well.
September 11, 2019
Heard your name today
I hope your family is doing as well as can be expected .
Prayers to them
Rest in peace Daphnee
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Alice Perkins
September 11, 2019
Thinking of your family today.
Rudene Stinson
September 12, 2015
Daphne was one in my six grade class at Pulaski couny Middle in Hawkinsville Ga, Wow did not really know about this until this year on the anniversary of 9-11. It is a very shocking to know this, RIP Classmate you will never be forgotten. Class of 83, Hawkinsville High School. Hawkinsville
GA.
Del Newberry
February 25, 2015
I pray especially for the family of Daphne today. I know the week of vacation with her will always be remembered by her sister. I want the family to know that there are thousands of Americans who will never forget that day and we do lift you up in prayer, for peace, for comfort, for encouragement. Much love from Texas.
Alice Perkins
July 17, 2014
I never dreamed I personally knew anyone who died in the 9-11 terrorist attacks, but I just learned a couple of weeks ago that I did...such a sad thing to find out about. I knew Daphne 35+ years ago when she was just a young girl, and she and her wonderful family lived for a brief time in middle Georgia. Jimmy and Josephine, I hope time has somewhat lessened the pain of your loss. Such a tragedy makes us look forward even more to future Kingdom blessings, including the resurrection. I've thought about your family through the years, and I will do so even more now...may Jehovah give you peace and the strength to carry on.
Doug Abraham
July 10, 2009
A Reminiscence
YES, thou art gone! and never more
Thy sunny smile shall gladden me;
But I may pass the old church door,
And pace the floor that covers thee.
May stand upon the cold, damp stone,
And think that, frozen, lies below
The lightest heart that I have known,
The kindest I shall ever know.
Yet, though I cannot see thee more,
'Tis still a comfort to have seen;
And though thy transient life is o'er,
'Tis sweet to think that thou hast been;
To think a soul so near divine,
Within a form so angel fair,
United to a heart like thine,
Has gladdened once our humble sphere.
By Anne Bronte
The Poetry Foundation
Nathan Kauffman
July 27, 2007
God bles you. She must have been a very sweet person.
Bridgette Johnson
November 2, 2006
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kristine
October 24, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
October 1, 2006
In memory....
Hope Azular
September 11, 2003
Elder family:
I am an old friend of Val's. I lived on St. Nicholas Place many years ago. I remember meeting Daphne. I remember her smile, her laugh. It's the small things in life that we remember,and those things have a way of making your dreary day just a little brighter....
My sincerest sympathies sent out to you Val, and your family as you remember Daphne today and always....
I miss you Girl!
With Love,
Hope T. Azular and Family
Tahira Strand
January 10, 2003
My sincere condolences go out to the Elder family. I met Daphne at The Robert Treat Academy where both of our children attend. She was a very strong young lady and one who always spoke her mind, I miss seeing her at the Parent meetings and discussing issues with her.
I think about her often and it's hard to believe that this type of tragedy could happen so close to home.
The Elder family knows that my prayers are with them constantly.
God Bless
Tahira,
Robert Treat Academy, Newark, NJ
Lisa Napolitano
October 26, 2002
I worked with Daphne many years at Reliance National. She was a wonderful, sincere person who was always up beat and positive. She always seemed to have rays of sunshine following her, even on bad days. She was always with Cynthia and they made me a "soul sister" I will never forget and keep her in my daily prayers. My deepest sympathy to her family. God bless her soul.
Yevette Whitehurst
September 11, 2002
My sincere prayers are with the entire Elder family on their loss of Daphne. I met Daphne through a mutual friend, Sylvia Kearney, many years ago and found her to be a beautiful person. May God Continue to Bless Your Family!
Dawn Young
September 9, 2002
God Bless the Elder family on the loss of Daphne. I worked at Reliance where I met Daphne a few years back. It saddens me that she was taken from her family and friends so suddenly. I am blessed to have known her and feel safe knowing she is now an Angel on my side.
Sylvia Kearney
May 3, 2002
To The Elder Family:
I met Daphne at Prudential Securities back in '89-90. Daphne has always been a sweet, caring, down-to-earth person. I miss her a whole lot and will never forget her. I ride pass the house on the bus everyday and I always look up at her window as though she was still there. Daphne purchased a bottle of one of her favorite fragrances for me and I still have a corner left. I cannot bring myself to use it. I just lift the bottle almost everyday and smell it to remind me of her. My family and I will miss her. Daphne's in God's arms now.
Rae Nestor-Franklin
May 3, 2002
My prayer are with the entire family
Joseph L Fields
April 18, 2002
With Deepest Sympathy
Sonja Dinkins-McWilliams
March 27, 2002
I met Daphne in the early 90's at Reliance National. I will always remember her as the classy, intelligent and beautiful woman she was.
Let not your heart be troubled....in my Father's house are many mansions. - St. John 14:1-2
God Bless,
Sonja
WANDA CARTER
March 22, 2002
I WORKED WITH DAPHNE AT RELIANCE NATIONAL, SHE WAS A BEAUTIFUL PERSON
AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HER SWEET
FACE AND KINDNESS TOWARDS OTHERS.
GOD BLESS YOU DAPHNE.
Stephen McMillian
March 19, 2002
I didn't know Daphne Elder but I was very moved by her tribute in Legacy.com. I pray that you have comfort during this very rough time. Always keep the faith.
Ramona Nelson
February 27, 2002
I first met Daphne at Reliance National. I remember her as being disciplined, no nonsence, and business like with a great sence of humor. I admired her directness, for she pulled no punches. Her conversation was not for just anyone, she said what she meant and she meant what she said, in short her word was "bond". I had a lot of respect for the strong sister that she was. We'll never really understand just why God has allowed her like so many others to leave us the way he did, but we must take comfort in his word that says "weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning". As we weep for the loss of so many like her, we become sobered by the fact that their troubles and trials are over, but ours is not, for we will never be the same again. The baton has been passed, the race continues, The Holy Spirit is still leading, Jesus is still pleading on our behalf, and God is STILL ON THE THRONE!....How long?....Not Long!!
Cathy Cancel
February 26, 2002
I meet Daphne at Reliance a few years ago. Daphne was a good person, Daph kept it real. We had lunch in the kitchen at Reliance almost every day, we had alot of laughs she is missed so very much, I think about her and her family every day. My prayers are with the Elder family.
Stacey Green
February 25, 2002
I got to know Daphne working at Reliance and I liked her immediately. She had a way of carrying herself that spoke to her inner strength, intelligence and class. We spent alot of time talking and laughing about so many things. I will miss talking to her and I am saddened over the loss of her friendship. There isn't a day when Daphne is not part of my thoughts and prayers and I will truly miss her.
My deepest condolences go out to the Elder family and Daphne's friends.
Charlene Smith
February 21, 2002
I met Daphne while working at Reliance National. I'd often see her in the lunchroom, where we'd talk & laugh about everything around us.
She was a very happy person, with a lot to say. I'll miss her deeply. I'd like to give my sympathy to her family & friends.
Karen-Kay Harrison
February 15, 2002
I had the pleasure of working with Daphne a few years ago. She was always a warm, positive individual and one whom you'd not soon forget, even after one meeting.
Daphne -- life for you was indeed too short, but your memory will live on in the lives of those who you touched.
Cheryl Young
February 4, 2002
Hello Family:
My deepest sympathy and condolences to my family and friends of Daphne.
I am a third cousin to Daphne. I am deeply saddened by the events of September 11, 2001. Further, it deeply saddens me that I really did not know her and I worked right across the street. Moreover, we are in the same family.
I probably passed her way a few times in my daily travels in the World Trade Center, and I never knew who she was. That really bothers me.
Moving forward, I hope that we that remain can get to, at least, know each other. It's never too late.
Life is very precious and so fragile. We never know when we will be left with fond memories.
...Better the fond memories than no memories at all.
With love and sincerity.
Adell Daugherty
February 4, 2002
Dear Elder Family,
I only met Daphne once through my friend, Astrid Sohan. I liked her immediately. I was looking forward to seeing her again and becoming friends. We all had made plans to go inner tubing in Virginia last Spring but something came up and we didn't go. I think about her often. I know God is taking care of her and Astrid and they are together in heaven where there is no pain and grief.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Adell
Alexa Elder
January 16, 2002
I will pray for you.
Mark Harvison
January 16, 2002
Dear Elder Familiy,
Please accept my deepest sympathies over the loss of Daphne. I didn't know Daphne. I saw her picture on Legacy.com and liked her smile. A familiy in Georgia will keep Daphne and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless you.
Anonymous
January 15, 2002
DEAR LORD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS
BEAUTIFUL PERSON DAPHNE FERLINDA ELDER AND MAY SHE REST IN PEACE WITH'GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS
HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS'
AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET
9/11/01...AMEN
Teresa Jahn
January 4, 2002
Daphne has a wonderful, warm and friendly smile in the picture you have shared with us. She must have had a beautiful, warm and friendly heart to go with such a smile. May her smile, her life and love continue living in those who love her. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Daphne.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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