Bro. Elbert Boutwell died peacefully in The Courtyard Nursing Home in Fulton on Sunday, July 24, 2016, at the age of 92. Bro. Boutwell was born on August 13, 1923, in Laurel, MS, to George and Ada Dorcas Landrum Boutwell. He married Susan Catherine Miller in 1946 after returning from serving his country in World War II in the Pacific Theater with the U. S. Marine Corps. They were blessed with five children. His children remember him as a kind, gentle, and patient father who encouraged them to love the Lord and pursue their goals.
He is survived by his children, Ron (Joy) Boutwell of Dennis; Connie Sheffield of Fulton; Bro. Eddie (Jan) Boutwell of Mantachie; Dan Boutwell of Booneville; and Gary Winland of North Carolina; his grandchildren, Amy (Chris) Johnson, Scott (Stephanie) Boutwell, Misty (Brian) Rigby, Brent (Phebe) Sheffield, Christy (Drew) Boutwell and Sean Boutwell; fourteen great-grandchildren; his brother, Roy Hunt (Lou Mae) Boutwell of Laurel, MS; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Catherine; a daughter, Susan; his son-in-law, Doug Sheffield; and eight sisters, Ada, Bertha, Ethel, Della, Georgia, Lucy, Jimmie, Dorothy Kate; and five brothers, Harold, Elson, G. B., Julion and twin Edward.
Bro. Boutwell surrendered to the ministry in 1949 and spent the next sixty plus years pastoring churches throughout Mississippi. He was a generous and dedicated individual who loved his Saviour and who was passionate about spreading the love of Jesus. He was an active and dedicated member of Unity Baptist Church in Guntown.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Unity Baptist Church in Guntown. Bro. Grover Laird and Bro. Royce Hawkins will officiate the ceremony. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, and one hour prior to the service at Unity Baptist Church. McNeece-Morris Funeral Home of Mantachie is entrusted with the arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Scott Boutwell, Sean Boutwell, Brent Sheffield, Cory Scribner, Chris Johnson, and Brian Rigby.
The family would like to thank the staffs of The Courtyards in Fulton and Lakeview Place Assisted Living in Mantachie for their care and dedication.
