Claudia Kelly Cantrell

Claudia Kelly Cantrell, beloved wife and mother, passed away on January 12, 2024.

A celebration of her life will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 20, 2024 at The Branch Church in Cataula, Georgia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held following the service at Emmanuel Baptist Church Cemetery, according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Claudia was born on February 6, 1941 in Jefferson City, TN. She was a devoted follower of Jesus and it showed in all that she did. Her words were always wise and caring. In her early years, Claudia was an accomplished athlete. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from North Georgia College. In addition to her athletic abilities, Claudia was very active in many organizations on Fort Benning (Moore) and in Columbus. She loved her Tuesday, Friday bowling leagues, where she won many trophies and accolades. The role she loved more, however,was being a mother and a wife. Her home was one of love and care. Wisdom from her lips fell not only on her children and husband, but on friends that entered her home. She was the consummate lady and demonstrated her creativeness in poetry and song. Claudia will be missed by many. Indeed, anyone who had the honor of knowing her will realize that women like her are few and far between.

Claudia is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Jimmie C. Cantrell; children, William C. Elrod III (M’Lynda), Anne Lynn Galloway (Robert), Allison Elrod Miller (Tom), Heath Carroll Cantrell, Jimmie Scott Cantrell, grandchildren, Christopher Scott Cantrell, William C. Elrod IV (Katie), Emilei Christine Cantrell, Wesley Harmon Elrod (Holly), William Tyler Ammons, Mason Lloyd Galloway (Alex), Dawson Carroll Galloway, Avery Kyle Ammons, Clay Joshua Cantrell, Kelly Anne Cantrell, great-grandchildren, William C. Elrod V, and Maxwell Michael Ammons.

She is preceded in death by her late husband Major William C. Elrod, Jr (1971), her father Claude J. Kelly, her mother Beatrice L. Kelly, her brothers Roy and Bill, and her sister Betty K. Wyatt.