Geraldine Ada Elam's Obituary
Mrs. Geraldine Ada “Gerry” Elam, age 86, passed away Monday, October 28, 2019 at her home in Norton Shores, Michigan. She was born in Ludington, Michigan on June 20, 1933 to Russell and Evelyn (Babcock) McDowell. Gerry was an active member of Calvary Bible Church. She enjoyed reading, baking, playing cards with her friends, camping, and spending time with her family. She also spent over 25 years volunteering with the Red Cross. On September 29, 1951, Gerry married James A. Elam, Sr. and they enjoyed 59 years of marriage prior to his passing on November 11, 2010. Gerry is survived by six children: Jill (Russell) Franks, James Elam, Jr., Joel (Diane) Elam, Jody Miller, Julie (Thomas) Drent, and Jamie (Larry) Hall; 9 grandchildren: Jordan (Caryn) Elam, Samantha Wolff, Katrina Elam, Tara (Adam) Zdybel, Kris Elam, Jennifer Hall, Zackery (Caitlin) Drent, Audrey Drent, and Ryan Miller; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Trudy Veltman; and very special family friend, Marc Benigni. In addition to her husband, Gerry was preceded in death by one son, Jeff Elam; daughter-in-law, Kathy Elam; and two sisters, Virginia Shepard and Linda Scott. SERVICES will be 11:00 AM Saturday, November 2, 2019 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 with Rev. Ed Arndt officiating. VISITATION will be from 5-7 PM Friday, November 1, 2019 at The Lee Chapel. Burial will be in Fruitport Pine Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Muskegon Chapter of the American Red Cross.
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