Elinor Joyce Crist

Elinor J. Crist, 77, of Bogalusa, LA, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on December 10.  Born in Bethlehem, PA to the late Stephen and Margaret Felker, she moved to Louisiana in 1996 to marry her husband, Don.  

A graduate of Liberty High School in Bethlehem, she enjoyed a career in bookkeeping, primarily with Manor Care Nursing Homes. In Louisiana, Elly enjoyed raising animals – Labrador Retrievers -  often becoming emotional when a puppy was sold to new owners.  Her love of people won her numerous friends in the area and prompted her to accept a position of Treasurer and then as church secretary at Plainview Baptist Church where she served for many years.  She enjoyed singing in the church choir, preparing choir books, church bulletins, and working on fellowship events.  She was a huge Elvis fan and vowed to sing with him one day in the heavenly choir - praising the Lord Jesus, who she loved most of all. 

Elly always insisted on being in Bethlehem for Christmas where she and her husband would spend time with Elly’s brother and his family, her cousins and their families. 

Survivors include: her husband; 2 stepchildren: Jennifer and her husband Ben Duff,  Baton Rouge, LA; and Donald Crist, Jr., Oklahoma City, OK;  2 grandchildren: Caiden and Evie Duff; a brother, Stephen Felker and his wife, Jane, Bethlehem, PA; a niece, Cindy Hamm; in-laws: Eddie & Lynda Crist, Bob Crist, Nancy McDaniels, Joanne Crist, Bill & Pam Crist, Ralph & Julie Crist, and Ann Cheramie;  and cousins: Sharon Felker Jordan (Danny), Louis Felker (Darlene), Carol Felker Cope (Lou), Joann Felker Lentz (Bob), and Peg Horvath. 

A private celebration of her life will be held for immediate family.  Please consider a memorial donation to fund Alzheimer’s research to:

Alzheimer's Association
P.O. Box 96011
Washington, DC 20090-6011