At the age of 90 years, 5 months and 3 days, Elva went to be with the Lord
on June 7, 2013. Born in DeRidder, La., on January 4, 1923, she spent most of her years in DeRidder.
The third of six children, Elva was the daughter of Eddie Erastus Austin and Bertha Cooley Austin. She attended school in DeRidder where
she met and married the love of her life, Herschel, on December 17, 1938.
Elva was a devoted Wife, Mother, Christian, and Friend. Her family and church were all important to her. She was a member of First Baptist Church in DeRidder where
she was active in Sunday school, served as a Sunday school teacher, and held several positions in WMU. Being a Christian was all important in her household, and she never failed to witness when the opportunity arose.
Elva was a seamstress
extraordinaire. She could look at a piece of apparel in a store, draw a picture of it, and then make the garment. She sought to excel in everything she did.
Elva was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Herschel E. Chelette; her
parents, Eddie and Bertha Austin, one brother, Everett Austin; and, three sisters, Thelma Johnson, Lexie Nichols, and Lucille Stracener Loftin. She was also preceded in death by a grandson, Mitchell, and a great-granddaughter, Sharla.
She
is survived by three daughters, Judy Bollinger and husband Jack of Livingston, Texas; Kaye Chelette Stiles of DeRidder; and, Karen Hollin and husband Tommy of Genoa, Arkansas. She is also survived by one brother; Eddie Douglas Austin, Sr. of Lake
Charles, Elva also leaves to cherish her memory six granddaughters, one grandson, and 10 great-grandchildren.
Celebration of Life services will be held 10:00 A.M., Monday, June 10, 2013, at Hixson Funeral Home, DeRidder, La. Interment will
follow in the Beauregard Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, June 9, 2013, from the hours of 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Hixson Funeral Home.