Elaine died peacefully on February 9, 2026 at home with family. Her 62 years were lived fully and with much joy and love-love for her family and friends and most importantly a love of children.
She was a licensed professional counselor, a Supervising Counselor and a trained forensic interviewer. She worked as a child advocate and regularly testified as an expert witness in numerous cases of alleged abuse. She was known as a fierce and loving protector of those children with whom she worked. Most recently, she retired as Executive Director of the Calhoun-Cleburne Children’s Center in Anniston, Alabama, where she had worked for over 15 years. The Children’s Center is a child advocacy center and part of the Alabama Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers (ANCAC) that is dedicated to promoting an abuse-free society for children in Alabama through a multi-disciplinary approach and support for local advocacy centers. Hers was a life of service for children in need of protection.
Elaine is survived by husband Gerald Alan Templeton, step daughters Madison Templeton and Alexandra Templeton, her former husband Bruce (Sue) Young, father of Elizabeth (Leigh) Carlson-Young, William (Shannon) Young, John (Stephanie) Young, her son Gregory Young, and daughter Kathryn Young, mother of her beloved granddaughter Lily Young, her brother John (Denise) Knappenberger, father of nephews Jonathan (Amanda) Knappenberger and Jake Knappenberger, and her sister Tarri Mason, mother of nephews Alec Mason and Ian Mason. She is also survived by nephews Mickey Hill, Matthew Hill, Ronnie Stinson, Jr, and Steven Stinson and niece Crystal Gail (Stinson) Parker.
She was preceded in death by her parents Earl Knappenberger and Kathryn (Bla’zer) Knappenberger as well as her sister Susie Hill (Don) and brother Ronnie Stinson (Helen).
She was also preceded in death by her beloved dog, Luci. She was a life long Yankees fan and loved baseball.
At Elaine’s request there will be no funeral so the family will host a celebration of life. Brunch was her favorite meal and Gianmarcos her favorite restaurant. The family will host brunch for family and friends from 11am to 2pm on Saturday March 14, 2026 at Gianmarcos “GM 705 Place” located at 705 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. Dress is casual, your favorite baseball attire appropriate. The location is across the street from Patriot Park. Peck Funeral Home assisted the family.
Peck Funeral Home
