First Street United Methodist Church in Albemarle, NC

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Elbert's surviving sisters, Mrs. Ramelle McDonald of Jackson, Michigan
and Mrs. Louise Cranford of New London, NC

Family, friends, and checker players attended Elbert Lowder's Memorial Service on Saturday, January 13, 2007 at First Street United Methodist Church in Albemarle, NC.  Elbert was a long time member here and kept their pianos tuned.  Alan Millhone, our American Checker Federation President and Alex Moiseyev, the World Champion drove in together from Ohio to pay their respect to Elbert, and dignity Checkerdom.  The service was beautiful, personal, and we learned a little more about Elbert from several family and close relatives contributing their tribute to Elbert and some of their personal remembrances about him.  We met Elbert's two surviving sisters, Louise Cranford of New London, NC and Ramelle McDonald of Jackson, Michigan.  Everyone was invited to the fellowship hall after the service to visit with family and friends of Elbert. There where picture albums, video, and life memorabilia to view and share, including a delicious dinner prepared by the women of 1st Street UMC.  I was proud to have attended and met so many who knew, loved, and shared a friendship with Elbert.

l-r: JR Smith, Alex Moiseyev, Tim Laverty, Wade Holder, Bill Stanley at 1st Street UMC fellowship hall

Photos by Tim Laverty