Ava Virginia Elam

Ava Virginia (White) Elam was born in her family home in Stantonville, Tennessee on December 19, 1929, to the late Grady Troy and Rubye Lee Surratt White. As the oldest of three children, she quickly took on the role of caregiver to those she loved for the remainder of her life. She was united in marriage to James Elmo Elam on June 26, 1948, and the two were blessed with two children, Judy Diana Elam and James Danny Elam. Mr. Elam preceded her in death on October 19, 1979.
Mrs. Elam was a quiet but strong matriarch of her family and a dedicated worker. She retired from USA Classic in Stantonville, Tennessee and had previously worked at Harwood Manufacturing in Adamsville, Tennessee. Throughout her life, she spent countless hours cooking and baking for her family and many friends who would often join at her always inviting table. She was the epitome of hospitality, as she was always happy to welcome anyone who might drop in for a cup of coffee or a homecooked meal. Those who knew her well were particularly happy if they dropped in on day when she had made her delicious fried pies and tea cakes. Mrs. Elam also enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and bird watching. She loved to travel with her family and her cousin and lifelong best friend Naomi Gray. More than anything she loved to care for and spend time with her children, granddaughter, and two great-grandchildren. She hardly ever missed a program, recital, or ballgame if they were involved. In recent years, she also enjoyed watching and cheering on the Memphis Grizzlies with her great-grandson, Elam.
Mrs. Elam departed this life on November 24, 2022, in her home, at the age of 92 years 11 months and 5 days. She is survived by a daughter Judy Diana Elam; a son James Danny Elam and wife Debbie; a granddaughter April Elam-Dierks and husband David, great-grandchildren Hallie-Kate Dierks and Elam Dierks; nephew Nickey Fondren and wife Cindy; nephew Michael Fondren; cousin and best friend Naomi Gray and daughter Sandra Gray, and many other special family members and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Elam was preceded in death by a brother Troy O’Neal White and sister Dorothy Louise Fondren and her husband Mack.
As one of the oldest members of West Shiloh Baptist Church in Stantonville, Tennessee, her life will be celebrated, and her body laid to rest there on November 30, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Adamsville Elementary School, Adamsville High School, or Corinth Theatre Arts, where she spent much time enjoying the activities of her great-grandchildren, or to a charity of choice.