Mrs. Lutrecia Elder

Mrs. Lutrecia Kennise Elder, of 606 Whatley Drive, Ashburn, Georgia, died Thursday, September 24, 2026, at her residence.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 17th at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of the New Providence Baptist Church in Ashburn, Georgia.

Mrs. Lutrecia Kennise Elder, affectionately known to family and friends as "Pap," of Ashburn, Georgia, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on Thursday, September 24, 2026, surrounded by the love and presence of her family.

Lutrecia was born on January 27, 1976, in Ashburn, Georgia, to Melissa Williams and George Lewis. Her family also includes her stepfather, George Williams, and her stepmother, Willie Mae Lewis.

From an early age, Lutrecia possessed a love for learning, nature, and the beauty of growing things. She began her education in the Ashburn school system and later graduated from Ronald E. McNair High School in 1994. She continued her education at Georgia State University before transferring to Fort Valley State University, where she pursued her passion for agriculture and horticulture. In 2014, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.  During her collegiate years, Lutrecia's natural leadership abilities became evident. She served as a spokesperson for the university's Agriculture Department and gained valuable experience working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Her passion extended far beyond the classroom. She became a pioneering force in sustainable and organic farming, working alongside Dr. Brown to help develop an organic farm at Fort Valley State University. She also contributed to the planting of blueberries on the university's campus.

Lutrecia's love for the soil had deep family roots. She was greatly influenced by her grandmother, Georgia Mae, who had a special gift for growing beautiful, fresh vegetables. The lessons Lutrecia learned from watching her grandmother plant, nurture, and harvest remained with her throughout her life. Those precious memories eventually inspired her to honor her grandmother through the name of her own farming business.

In 2009, Lutrecia united with the love of her life, Kwesi Elder. Their love and shared vision became the foundation for a life of purpose and service. Together, they founded Georgia Roots Urban Farm in Atlanta, Georgia, with its name paying tribute to her beloved grandmother, Georgia Mae.

Lutrecia and Kwesi continued expanding their knowledge of urban and sustainable agriculture under the mentorship of renowned agricultural leader Dr. Will Allen. Their mission extended beyond simply growing food. They believed in using agriculture to nourish, educate, strengthen, and heal communities.  Lutrecia's commitment to serving others could also be seen through her work with the Georgia WIC program and her affiliation with the Black Southern Farmers group of South Georgia. She had a heart for teaching and freely shared the knowledge she had gained. Whether she was planting herbs, making natural oils, tending the soil, or teaching family members about the benefits found in God's creation, Lutrecia found joy in helping others understand the connection between the earth, healthy living, and community.

Her life was also grounded in faith. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Lutrecia united with Upon This Rock Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Rowe, where she faithfully shared her gift through the choir. Her connection to Pastor Rowe remained throughout the years, as she continued to follow his ministry and visit the churches where he served.

Lutrecia was more than an agriculturalist, entrepreneur, wife, daughter, and family member. She was a woman of faith, vision, determination, and purpose. She understood that planting a seed was an act of faith - that with patience, nurturing, and God's grace, something beautiful could grow.

The seeds Lutrecia planted were not limited to the soil. She planted seeds of knowledge, health, love, faith, entrepreneurship, and service in the lives of countless people. Though her earthly journey ended far too soon, her harvest remains.

Her legacy lives in the family she loved, the communities she served, the knowledge she shared, the land she cultivated, and every life made better because she chose to plant a seed.

Her hands worked the soil. Her heart served the people. Her faith guided her journey. And the seeds she planted will continue to grow for generations.

Lutrecia leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving husband, Kwesi Elder; her mother, Melissa Williams; her stepfather, George Williams; her father, George Lewis; her stepmother, Willie Mae Lewis; her mother-in-law, Vanessa Williamson; her father-in-law, Clint Elder; her granddaughters, Saniyah Lewis and Chloe; along with her children, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, dear friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her journey.

Her family will forever remember her loving spirit, her strength, her faith, her determination, and her passion for helping others. The knowledge she shared, the love she gave, and the seeds she planted - both in the earth and in the lives of others - will continue to grow for generations.

Though Lutrecia is no longer with us in physical presence, the beauty of her life remains deeply rooted in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."

- Psalm 23:6 (KJV)

Her hands worked the soil. Her heart served the people.

Her faith guided her journey. And the seeds she planted will continue to grow for generations.

In tribute to her legacy, a Moringa tree, which represents the Tree of Life, will be planted at 606 Whatley Dr., Ashburn, GA.