Obituary of Elaine Wilder

Patricia Elaine Ballenger Wilder, 82, widow of Charles Elbert “Charlie” Wilder, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Mrs. Wilder was born in Greenville to the late William Payten Ballenger, Sr. and Bertha Belle Ballenger. She retired from Greenville Water System. She was a member of Mauldin First Baptist Church and the Lydia Sunday School class. Elaine enjoyed gardening and traveling, but her greatest joy was being GiGi to her grandchildren. She had the distinction of being the very first Homecoming Queen for Hillcrest High School in 1958. Per her son Chuck, “to know her was to love her!” Surviving are two sons, Charles A. “Chuck” Wilder, and Larry P. Wilder with wife Allison; and three grandchildren, Charlie Wilder, Hannah Wilder, and Thomas Wilder. She was predeceased by two brothers, W.P. “Dub” Ballenger, Jr., and Tom Ballenger; and three sisters, Estelle Green, Viola Tanner, and Gladys Smith. A Celebration of Elaine’s Life will be 1 o’clock Saturday at Mauldin First Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Wade Leonard. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service. Burial will be 1 o’clock Monday at Graceland East Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Mauldin First Baptist Sanctuary Rejuvenation Project, 150 S. Main Street, Mauldin, SC 29662.