Debra Jean Benfield Elder, 72, of Statesville, N.C., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Carolina Caring Hospice House in Newton, N.C.

Jean was born March 5, 1953, in Catawba County to the late Clyde Wilburn Benfield and Betty Lay Benfield Combs. She was a graduate of Newton Conover High School. She was employed by Hunt Manufacturing and attended Union Grove Christian Church. She enjoyed cooking, shopping and reading her Bible.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Wayne Elder; and a sister, Patricia Ann Holbrook.

Left to cherish Jean’s memory is her sister, Kathy Killinger (Lonnie Price).

There are no services planned at this time.

Troutman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Elder family.