A Life Well Lived!

A Man Well Loved!

John Howard Louis McElrath, Sr. was born May 22, 1935, to William Grant McElrath and Rachel Easter Bryant McElrath in Burke County, Morganton, NC. He is the third of eight children.

Receiving his heavenly wings at his home from an extensive term of dementia, he fought a good fight.

John attended McAlpine Elementary School and graduated from Olive Hill High School in 1954. His education was increased by attending Western Piedmont Community College and pursuing various Higher Education courses.

Becoming a member of McElrath Chapel AME from an early age, he lived his Christian faith there. He served in various capacities: Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, Head Steward and Conference representative, etc.

John was a man of integrity who wanted the best for his family. Having his family constantly in mind, he sought employment with SGL Carbon Corporation, Hardwoods of Morganton, Coach and II Restaurant, First Citizens Bank of Morganton, and finally retiring after 25 years from the Vocational Rehabilitation Center for the State of North Carolina. He worked as an instructor, trainer, bartender, and facilitator, to name of few. He was a past President of the Lion's Club of Morganton.

As a devoted, dedicated and active member of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Of Free & Accepted Masons of North Carolina and Jurisdiction, Inc. he thought extremely highly of this organization and served, masterfully. The Pride of the West No. 581, Order of the Eastern Star was where he served with pride as a Past Patron. The Queen of the West Lodge No. 70 is where he was committed, unquestionable. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for various lodges in the West area.

He carried out his duty in the craft with dedication and good deeds receiving the highest honorary degree of 33 degrees. He exemplified outstanding service to the brotherhood of freemasonry. The highest masonic ideals, virtues and contributions were made to the Scottish Rite Masonry in the Asheville Consistory No. 253, he served as a Past Commander-In-Chief.

In August of 1955, he was joined in marriage to his beautiful wife, Celia Belle Rutherford. From the union they brought forth three children, Serena (Rena), Vanya, and John, II. In 1969, they moved their residence from the little Pink house by highway 40 to 1540 NC 126 on Yellow Mountain Rd and Watermill Rd. They resided there for 54 years.

Preceded in death by his parents, William Grant and Rachel Bryant McElrath, wife of 56 years, Celia Belle Rutherford McElrath, sister, Lillie McElrath, granddaughter, Cicely Largent.

John leaves to cherish and honor memories of his life; Serena of Atlanta, GA, Vanya of Morganton, John, II(Helen) of Morganton, Grandchildren; Seraphina Toney(Derek) of Morganton, Jasna of Charlotte, NC and John Louis of Morganton. Great Grandchildren, Nalana, Ramsay, Juliana, John IV. Brothers; James(Lorene), Angelia Frazier(Robert), Linda Heathe, Ivan Ray(Sarah), Stephanie Baker(Edgar), Alfredia. Sister-in-law, Roxanne Francis (Ron)of Cramerton, NC. A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, brothers, sisters and loved ones.

This man of God gave it his all in every capacity of his life. Rest well, son, husband, father, brother, we love you and will miss you, John Howard Louis McElrath, Sr.

A visitation for Mr. John McElrath will be held Sunday January 29 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Corpening Memorial Chapel of McCain Funeral Home & Cremations.  The homegoing celebration will be held Monday January 30, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at McElrath Chapel A.M.E. Church with Rev. Milton Battle officiating and Rev. Diane Ervin Conley as the eulogist; interment will follow at the Rutherford Family Cemetery in Nebo.

The service will also be livestreamed on the McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook page and

YouTube Channel; the links are found below:

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook

Page: https://www.facebook.com/mccainfuneralhome/