Obituary published on Legacy.com by Murray Brothers Funeral Home, Inc. - Cascade Chapel on Dec. 5, 2025.
June Dennis Elder, born September 1, 1937, in
Atlanta, Georgia, entered this world as the
youngest daughter of the late Beulah Heywood Dennis Griggs and Robert Dennis - and she did so with a
charm that only grew brighter with time. June carried herself with a graceful elegance, yet she
was also a radiant social butterfly whose presence could lift a room before she even spoke.
She lived life in full color. June spoke her mind with poise, loved deeply, laughed generously,
and embraced others with warmth and wit. She had a gift for turning ordinary moments into
cherished memories - through her stylish flair, heartfelt hospitality, her stories, and her fearless
ability to show up beautifully and authentically as herself.
June, educated in the Atlanta Public Schools, was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington
High School with the Class of 1956. To know June was to experience joy and that unmistakable
glow that comes from a soul unafraid to live boldly and love freely. She didn't just care - she
cherished people. She didn't just live - she celebrated life and invited others to celebrate with
her.
More than elegance, June possessed conviction. She was a political activist before activism was
fashionable, walking alongside her aunt, the late Lottie Watkins in circles where vision, courage,
and influence met. She moved alongside the movers and shakers who laid the groundwork for
Atlanta's strong political foundation.
June worked with the DeKalb County Democratic Women's Party, serving as part of its
Executive Committee, where her bold spirit helped shape conversations and drive meaningful
change. She was respected not simply for her involvement, but for her insight, and her ability to
bring people together.
Her commitment to community did not stop with politics - June believed in service,
connection, and legacy. She was employed with the historic Butler Street YMCA, an institution
deeply intertwined with Atlanta's civic, cultural, and social progress. There, she contributed to a
legacy of empowerment, leadership, and opportunity that shaped countless lives.
June was also a woman of refinement who knew how to enjoy life. She traveled widely as a
proud member of the Four Seasons Traveling Club, embracing adventure, culture, and fellowship
wherever she went. She relished experiences, friendships, and the joy of new horizons.
She was the last surviving member of The Larks Social Club - a distinguished circle of spirited,
stylish women who laughed, served, hosted, and supported one another through the seasons of
life. Being the final member was a testament not only to the group's legacy but to June's
enduring devotion - she was there for their children, extending love, guidance, and connection
long after the gatherings had ended.
June was married to Alfred Elder and their relationship grew into a deep and enduring friendship
that lasted until his passing. Together, they were blessed with two beautiful children, LaDonna
and Randy, who were the light of her life and the center of her heart. June's love, guidance, and
presence shaped their lives in countless ways, and she cherished every moment with them.
June's love extended joyfully to her grandson, Brandon, who was truly the heartbeat of her
happiness and her great grandchildren, Ayden, Dallas and Journee. She treasured every laugh,
every hug, and every shared moment with them, delighting in their growth, their personalities,
and the joy they brought to her world.
June's love extended beyond her immediate family to her nieces and nephews, each of whom
held a special place in her heart. Each one often felt like her favorite, a testament to the way she
made everyone feel uniquely cherished. To know June was to be touched by kindness. She
listened with her heart and cared with sincerity in a way that made everyone feel seen and
valued.
She was preceded in death by those she cherished, her loving parents and her beloved big sister,
Delores Dennis Carter. June Elder leaves behind a legacy of love, elegance, and unforgettable
presence. She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever celebrated by all whose
lives she touched, her favorite daughter, LaDonna Elder Hill (Randy) and her favorite son,
Randy Elder (Deborah); her grandson, Brandon Elder, her granddaughter, Adriane Miller
(Gentry); her great grandchildren, Ayden, Dallas, Journee and Janae; her sister cousins, Joyce
Bacote (Sammy) and Judy Barnett; her sisters-in-law, Mattie Whighum, Gloria Mapp and
Geraldine Elder and brother-in-law, Wesley Elder; god-daughters Portia Potts and Arlecia
"Candie" Terrell; nieces, Gail Rollins, Toni Collins, Terry Moss, Darryl Vass and nephew, Kevin
Brown and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and special extended families and friends.
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