The Life and Legacy of George Lee Elam

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

The story began March 23, 1938, when George Lee Elam was born in Humboldt, TN. He was the son of Alberta Donald Turner and Otis Elam.

George graduated from Stigall High, in 1957. Upon graduating, he relocated to Cleveland, Ohio. George previously married Gwendolyn Carr and later married Susan Allen. He was employed with Thompson Ramo Wooldridge, Inc. (TRW), Automotive Division for over 30 years until retirement.

George was gentle, genuine, kind, and loving. He enjoyed family, golf, cycling and jazz music, but more importantly, was dedicated to and loved the Lord. George’s faith was rooted in African Methodism during his formative years. He later united with the Baptist faith and attended churches including Morning Star, The Gospel House and Mt. Calvary. His life was his ministry, as he enjoyed mentoring youth and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, including the AWANA Ministry (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed), teaching Youth Sunday School, ministering at the Cleveland Juvenile Detention Center and leading group studies for the Purpose Driven Life.

George’s passions and interests were many, they included: “Pedal to the Point” for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, volunteering at Playhouse Square (as a Red Coat), transporting seniors for the city of Bedford Heights, participating in East Cleveland Community Theater and charitable golfing events. George adamantly anticipated attending his family and class reunions! In fact, he was often recognized by the Stigall Class Reunion committee for being the first to confirm his attendance!

The story ends on April 22, 2021, when he was welcomed to his heavenly home, with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sharing in George’s treasured memories, he leaves his loving and devoted wife of 33 years, Susan Allen Elam; Stepmother, Mary Elam of Maple Heights, OH; Nine children: Ronnie Elam of Godfrey, IL, Keith (Tajuana) Elam of Camp Springs, MD, Curtis Smith of Snellville, GA, Kevin Smith of Cleveland, OH, Crystal Elam of Bedford Heights, OH, Donnie (Annette) Elam of Maple Heights, OH, Alfredda (Quincy) Carnes of Humboldt, TN, Trevor (Kiara) Elam of Bedford, OH, and Terence Elam of Atlanta, GA; Fifteen grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. George also leaves four brothers: Warner (Nettie) Turner of Memphis, TN, Rev. Johnny Ray (Lisa) Turner, Donald (Gennia) Turner, Steven (Lori) Turner, all of Humboldt, TN; Three sisters: Linda (Rev. Ronald) Taylor of Melbourne, FL, Gloria Fay Fair and Rena Turner both of Humboldt, TN; Two brother-in-laws: Terry (Rhonda) Allen of Lexington, KY, Marcus (Debbie) Allen of Mayslick, KY; Three sister-in-laws: Celesta (Lewis) Turner of Las Vegas, NV, Mary (Dr. Eddie) Wills of Pepper Pike, OH and Margo Brown of Twinsburg, OH. One cousin, dear to his heart, Elvis Ellis.

George was proceeded in death by: Mother – Alberta Donald Turner, Father – Otis Elam, Brother – Herman Louis Turner and Sister – Mary Louise Curry.

Close to his heart, Janae and Tamaria Elam, Tristan Huffine (deceased) and Marquita Bryson Patterson.

Special friends, Alberta Howse and Jimmy (deceased), Pat Elam and Richard (deceased), Lenford Carr, Alverna Fair and the Ratliff family.

Special thanks to the Justin T. Rogers Care Center in Fairlawn, Ohio.

In loving memory of George, you may contribute to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at www.alzfdn.org