Michael Anthony Elder was born in Los Angeles, CA on February 25, 1959. He was the eighth child of the Late Sammie Elder, Jr. and Elizabeth Elder. The family moved back to Belzoni, MS when he was a baby. Michael was the seventh son of seven sons. His early years were spent on the farm located on Gooden Lake Road. While growing up on the family's farm, he developed a very strong work ethic.

Michael attended Hill Chapel Baptist Church and was baptized by the Late Pastor Orange Hooker. He later became a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Belzoni, MS under the leadership of Pastor Burl Holmes.

Michael graduated from Humphrey County High in 1977. After graduating, he joined the United States Army. After being discharged from the military, he attended Mississippi Delta Community College and completed a program in air conditioning and heating. Michael worked for a number of companies including Baldwin Pianos, Dollar General and Super Value Distribution Center.

Michael loved music! The blues was his favorite genre, but Marvin Gaye was his first choice as a singer. Michael was born with an "Old Man's" spirit. He loved spending time grilling with friends and enjoying good food. Also, watching sports on television was a great past-time for him.

When his health began to fail, Michael and his son, Arian, moved to Gulfport, MS to be cared for by his sisters, Cynthia and Doris. They, along with their husbands, provided loving care for both him and Arian, until God called Michael home for his eternal rest. The entire family is so grateful for the loving care they extended to him. Well done!

We thank God for Michael's life and the many memories. He leaves to cherish his life and legacy: his son, Arian Porter; daughters, Dr. Tameka (Calvin) Winston, Yolanda Elder, Tamika Williams, and Markebia (Bryan) Edwards; sisters, Doris (Ellis) Haskins and Cynthia (Albert)  Allen ; brothers, Arthur (Margie) Brumfield, Joseph (Barbara) Brumfield, Lee A. (Betty) Elder, Sammie (Merdis) Elder III, Leroy (Chanda) Elder, and Leon (Carol) Elder; and many other beloved family members and friends.