Cora Mae Buckner Elkins

Cora Mae Elkins, 90, passed away in her home Saturday, August 10th, 2024. She was born in Chatham County on April 27, 1934, the daughter of Tull and Gertrude Buckner. 

She is survived by her daughter, Beth Elkins and her fiancé, Jay Southerland, grandson, Jason Pollock, granddaughter, Ally Roberts and her wife Ashton Roberts, great-grandson, Emmett Roberts, and her loving dog, Bucky. Cora was the eldest of eight siblings. She is survived by siblings Louise Adcock, Patsy Corder, Ronnie Buckner, Bronna Cockman, Mickey Buckner, and many loved nieces and nephews. She now joins her husband, Jack Bailey Elkins, sisters, Doris Hart and Susan Coggins, and niece, Julie Hart, in heaven. 

Cora was a devoted wife to Jack for over 60 years. She was a loving mother and an adored grandma. Cora was a well-respected and loved citizen of Chatham County. She was born and raised in Silk Hope and graduated from Silk Hope High School, where she played basketball. She was a long-term employee of Mountaire Farms. She was an active member at Rives Chapel Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. She was an active member of garden club, bridge club, and a volunteer at the PTA thrift store. In the spring of 2020, she moved to Jacksonville, NC to stay with her daughter, though always referred to Chatham County as home. 

The loss of Cora leaves many with heavy hearts, though we know her loving and kind spirit will live on in all those who loved her and all the seeds she sowed. Cora had a special love for flowers and plants. “The good thing about plants is they keep people’s memory alive. When you look at your plants, you can think of me.” – Cora Mae Elkins. 

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 17th at Rives Chapel Baptist Church from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM followed by the funeral at 2:00PM with Rev. Michael Whaley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Baptists on Mission. 

Details provided below:

 Saint Jude’s (800) 805-5856 http://www.stjude.org 

Baptists on Mission 800.395.5102 ext.5596 http://baptistsonmission.org

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Elkins family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com