Willofae M. Elrod

Willofae M. Elrod, 91, of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 in San Angelo. She was born in Nolan County, Texas on September 23, 1925 to William Patrick and Fraulein Mayes. She attended Roscoe High School where she was a cheerleader, twirler and played clarinet in the band. She met the love of her life, Festus Elrod, in the 7th grade at Roscoe, Texas and they were married in 1943, after he returned from serving his country in WWII. The couple moved to Lubbock, TX where he attended Texas Tech University and she worked at several jobs including GTE and JC Penney. Then they moved to San Angelo, TX where they made their home and retired. They had two daughters and one son. When her children were born, she became a stay at home mom and spent her time caring for her family. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church where she was on the cradle roll and sang in the choir. She also volunteered in the Shannon Hospital Gift Shop. When her youngest daughter, Sheila, was killed in a robbery at a Jewelry store in San Angelo in 1980, she became one of the founders of the local chapter of the Compassionate Friends in San Angelo, an organization for parents whose children have died. She helped many by listening to them and being able to empathize and relate to their loss. Willofae was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis around the age of 33 and was an inspiration to all who knew her by her perseverance and determination to not let this disease destroy her life. She was a loving mother and wife and was preceded in death by her husband, Festus, her children, Gary Pat and Sheila Gay Elrod, her parents, and an infant brother, William Patrick Mayes, Jr. Willofae is survived by her brother, T. Mike Mayes and wife Ola, of Sherman, TX, and her oldest daughter, Diana Elrod, of San Angelo. She was so proud of her grandchildren, Wes Noyd and wife, Paige, of Cibolo, TX, Eric Elrod, of Weatherford, OK and Sheila Frances Elrod, of San Angelo, TX. She was also blessed with two great grandchildren, Kayleigh and Gavyn Noyd and many dear friends. Willofae will be available for viewing throughout the day on Saturday, December 10, 2016 and Sunday, December 11, 2016 at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 10:00 A.M., Monday, December 12, 2016 at Harper Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. James Hassell officiating. A private burial will follow the service. “Let not your heart be troubled… In my Father’s house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you; That where I Am, there ye may also be.” John 14:2-3 “…And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying… or any more pain…” Revelation 23:4 We look forward to a wonderful reunion with all of our loved ones in heaven.