Elma Louise Buckner

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 6:15 a.m., Elma Louise Buckner answered “the call” from our Lord and Savior to come on up a little higher, peacefully transitioning from her earthly home to her eternal home. Louise was born in Paducah, Kentucky, to the late Benjamin Grace and Margaret Elizabeth Moody Grace.

She was a lifelong member of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and an ordained Elder in Full Connection. During her ministry, Rev. Buckner faithfully served as pastor of Sebree Chapel CME Church in Trenton, Kentucky, and Hills Chapel CME Church in Crofton, Kentucky. Due to health reasons, she retired from pastoral ministry in 2012 but continued her active membership at Cleaves Memorial CME Church in Evansville, Indiana.

Her retirement did not end her commitment to serving others. In 2015, Louise, along with a few other faithful members, successfully opened the Cleaves Clothes Closet, a ministry that continues to serve the community today. Her desire to help others was not simply something she talked about, it was how she lived. Louise was a loving and caring mother, sister, and “Grammy.” She enjoyed playing the piano, singing, preaching, and teaching the Gospel. She also loved watching movies with her family, although everyone knew there was a good chance she would fall asleep before the movie ended, which she almost always did!

Her heart and her home were open to others. Louise rarely encountered someone without wanting to know two things: Did they need anything, and did they know the Lord? She never wanted anyone to leave her presence without knowing that someone cared. Her love extended far beyond her immediate family. The friends and siblings of her children and grandchildren often became family themselves, affectionately calling her “Grammy” or “Mrs. Louise.” She had a way of making people feel welcomed, loved, and included.

Louise was also the original cheerleader. She encouraged everyone around her to give their very best and to finish whatever task they began. And when she knew something was happening, she showed up. Whether it was a softball game, volleyball match, JROTC event, school play, musical performance, or another special occasion, Louise could often be found supporting and encouraging those she loved.

In addition to her parents, Louise was preceded in death by her brother, William “Bill” Carter; sister, Nora Mae Harriford; son, James Daniel Maxwell; daughter, Carlena Buckner Lowe; and three grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, James K. Maxwell Jr. of Evansville, Indiana, and William (Nicole) Jones of Bowling Green, Kentucky; daughters, Clarissa Maxwell of Evansville, Indiana, Danielle (Michael) Brown of Louisville, Kentucky, Ja’Nita Gaines of Indianapolis, Indiana, LaShanna Hayes of Tacoma, Washington, and Nani R. Buckner of Louisville, Kentucky. She also leaves to cherish her memory her sisters, Sylvia Jeanette Harrison of New Albany, Indiana, Anna Ruth Brown of Compton, California, and Sherry Evonne Orr of Paducah, Kentucky; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, church family, and many beloved friends. Rev. Elma Louise Buckner lived a life of faith, family, ministry, service, and encouragement. She preached the Gospel from the pulpit, but perhaps her greatest sermon was the life she lived—opening her heart to people, helping those in need, encouraging others to keep going, and making sure those she encountered knew something about the Lord.

Her voice may now be silent, but the ministry she began continues. The people she encouraged are still standing. The family she loved carries her lessons forward. And every time the doors of the Cleaves Clothes Closet open to help someone in need, a part of Louise's legacy of service lives on.

She answered the call she had spent a lifetime preparing others to answer—and went on up a little higher.