Elizabeth Kerce

Elizabeth Stafford Kerce was born March 18, 1928, in Martin, Tennessee, and passed from this life in her home surrounded by family on September 16, 2025. She lived an adventurous and full life. She was devoted to her husband (Robert Hughes Kerce) for over 74 years of marriage (Aug 22, 1947, until his death on September 27, 2021). She was the youngest of two girls born to James Valma Stafford and Jura Vester Stafford. She and her husband were especially devoted to their three daughters – Beth, Karen, and Linda. Her sons-in-law (Rick Chambers, David Browning, and David Elrod) knew her love as well, as they were welcomed into the family. In later years, her joy was made complete by grandchildren (Jonathan and Benjamin (Mallory) Laine; John (Jenna) Elrod; Kathryn Chambers Amey; and Rose Chambers) and great-grandchildren (Isabelle, Adelle, and Benjamin Laine, Brooklyn Chambers, Nora and Lyla Elrod, and Lillian and Ashlyn Sanders). She is also survived by several dear nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mrs. Kerce’s parents and sister have all passed away, and she looked forward to being with them again in heaven. Mrs. Kerce and her family were blessed by long-term caregivers whom we’ve come to count as family including: Helen Carroll, Joyce Burns, and Carolyn Ingram; the wonderful helpers from Compassus Hospice, and many others. We are especially thankful for their compassion and love. She was also blessed by the friendships she made in Magnolia Glen, her church family, and her ladies’ group.

Her father passed away when she was just five, and she was raised by a hard-working and frugal mother in rural communities of West Tennessee. She played basketball in High School, going all the way to the state championship. She worked as a bank teller in Bruceton, Tennessee, for just over a year after graduating from high school. She followed her older sister to Nashville and completed her undergraduate education at David Lipscomb College. It was there that she was spotted by her future husband and quickly became the center of his affection. Their marriage served as an example of true and lasting love. While her daughters were young, Mrs. Kerce was a stay-at-home mom and made most of their clothes (until she taught them how to sew for themselves). Soon after her youngest daughter started school, Mrs. Kerce began her teaching career. After teaching Special Education for several years, she ultimately earned her master’s degree in education and completed her career teaching business classes for many years at Overton High School. While there, she was recognized by Junior Achievement as the National Teacher of the Year.

She actively partnered in the work of each church where he served as minister. She taught classes, hosted students from Lipscomb in her home, worked with Bible correspondence courses, and frequently volunteered at the Church of Christ Disaster Relief Center. Her love for God was clearly evident in serving and teaching her family. She was a member of Forest Mill Church of Christ.

She and her family enjoyed camping (often with the Nances), traveling, and adventure of all forms. They explored national parks, cruised from Alaska to the Cape of Good Hope to Northern Europe, backpacked in the Smokies, camped in motor homes, tents, and trailers across the nation, water-skied on lakes across Tennessee, and snorkeled in the Caribbean. She always made events such as birthdays, holidays, and vacations memorable occasions for her family. She stayed mentally sharp by playing various card and board games and actively trading stocks until her final days. She maintained her sense of humor to the end.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Central Funeral Home in Manchester, with the Celebration of Life immediately following at 3:00 pm. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Tullahoma, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the R.H. Kerce Scholarship Fund at Lipscomb University or to the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort in Nashville.

Central Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kerce family, 931-723-7774, centralfuneralhome.com