Doris McElrath's Obituary
This is Doris Ann McElrath’s Story
Mother, Sister, Friend, Aunt, Cousin, Matriarch
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of God to Remember, Honor, Salute and Celebrate, Doris' Journey, through this thing called “Life”. Doris Ann McElrath, 92, a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, transitioned from this earthly life into eternity on Monday, January 26, 2026. She was born on August 7, 1933, in Chattanooga, Tennessee and was one of 9 children. Born to the late Early and Dearrie Cousin. At an early age Doris joined the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, where she was a lifelong member.
As a young lady Doris attended Howard High School, where she played on the girls' basketball team. She was a part of the graduating class of 1951. Following graduation, Doris met and married the late Reverend Buford McElrath, Jr. and out of their union came four children. With all her athletic ability, she worked at Avondale Center, where she ran, jumped, played with the kids who called her Mrs. Mack. She later was employed with Orange Grove for 32 years. She retired from Orange Grove in 2014.
After retirement, Doris traveled with her sisters, “The Golden Girls”, for many years. The Cousin-Moore family reunion was the joy of her life. She was on the Barbecue Committee with her sisters. She made the best mac & cheese on the planet.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Early and Dearrie Cousin; husband, Rev. Buford McElrath, Jr.; son, Jeffrey L. McElrath; brothers, Robert Cousin and Early Cousin, Jr.; sisters, Rosie Sims and Florinda Calloway.
Doris leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Angela (Duane) Clark of Las Vegas, NV; sons, Allen D. McElrath of Atlanta, GA and Eric McElrath of Chattanooga; two adopted daughters, Kathy (John) Sligh of Chattanooga and Lorraine Wimberly of Atlanta, GA; brother, Reginald (Maebell) Cousin of Flintstone, GA; sisters, Norma Jean and Virginia "JoJo" Jones, both of Chattanooga, Leila (Henry) Lumpkins of Lauderhill, FL, Irene Parker of Summerville, GA, and Sadie McElrath of Anniston, AL; grandchildren, Chanda Copeny of Chattanooga, Dana Pierre, of Jacksonville, FL, Sylvester Pierre, II, Stephanie McElrath, both of Chattanooga, and Renee (James) Hardy of Apalachin, NY; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, the Moore families, McElrath families, other relatives and friends. Her journey completed for Doris Ann McElrath. JOB WELL DONE.
Doris will lie-in-state on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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