Jacob Sumpter Elder Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Celebrating His Spirit Jacob Elder Sr. was born on September 5, 1933 a houseboat on the East River in Manhattan, New York to Alice Sumpter and Charles Elder. He departed this life on November 9, 2018, leaving a legacy of hard work, achievement and a loving, blended family. The story of his life is a shining example of a man who achieved against all odds. Jacob was one of five children born to the Elders. The family moved from New York a few years later and settled in Cincinnati. In 1944, tragedy struck when his mother Alice died of tuberculosis, just three months after giving birth to his youngest sister, Joanne. Joanne was adopted by a cousin in nearby Oxford, Ohio. But Jacob and his three sisters were separated and sent to different orphanages. In spite of the separation, Jacob visited his sisters often. He attended Cincinnati Public Schools and graduated in 1951 from Withrow High School. Jacob continued his education at Central State College for one year before he was drafted to serve his country in The United States Army. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the army, Jacob returned to Cincinnati. In the early 1950s he was hired as a postal worker. He was later hired as an orderly at the former General Hospital. Over the years, Jacob successfully worked his way up to the position of therapeutic technician at University Hospital. He also attended Barber College simultaneously and became a licensed barber. While working at the hospital, he met his future wife Norma Jean Shaw. The couple married in 1952 and their union was blessed with four children; Jacob Jr., John, Steven and Angela Elder. Norma and Jacob divorced in 1963. Jacob married his second wife, Chaney Mitchell and the couple shared 46 years of marriage. Chaney and Jacob were blessed with two children, Derick and Nita. Chaney preceded him in death on June 13, 2013. He was an active, proud member of Kappa Alpha Phi Fraternity. Jacob was blessed with a gift for gab and a warm smile for those he met. He was a father who was engaged with all the children in his “blended” family. Jacob had a strong work ethic all of his life. He worked at the hospital on the night shift and as a barber during the day at Fobbs Barber Shop. In 1979, Jacob opened his own barber shop on first floor of his residence at 32 East University . His “House of Style” was a community gathering spot for haircuts, political debates and the latest gossip heard “through the grapevine.” Jacob closed the shop in 2011 due to his failing health. He spent the last four years of his life living peacefully, but missing his late wife Chaney and her “great” cooking. He was preceded in death by his wife, Chaney Elder; a daughter, Angela Singleton; his parents, Alice and Charles Elder; four sisters, Cassie Cunningham, Alice Elder Barkley, Anna Baughman and Joanne Suel. Jacob’s spirit and legacy will forever be cherished by his children, Jacob Jr. John, Steven (Stephanie), Derick, Nita Elder; his sister, Blanche Howard; step-children, Bobby, Charmaine (Greg) Mitchell and Argolden “Goldie” ( John “Reuben” ) McKibben; grandchildren, Tiesha, Germaine, Ta’Lia, Maria, Latia, Jason Elder, Joanne Elder, Ebony Arbin, Shaunese Elder, Latosha Moore, Steven Elder Jr., Joshua and Sterling Elder and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Jacob Sumpter Elder Sr.

September 5, 1933 - November 9, 2018