Velma Claudine Elam

Services: A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 10:00 AM in the First Missionary Baptist Church, Lexington Park, MD officiated by Rev. McClanahan. Internment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Visitation: There will be Prayers at 7:00 PM on Friday, September 23, 2005 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel where the family will receive friends from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Velma Claudine Elam, 78, of Lexington Park, MD formerly of Portsmouth, VA died September 19, 2005 in Washington, DC. Born December 12, 1926 in Portsmouth, VA, she was the daughter of the late Jesse E. and Rosa M. Cooper Elam, Jr. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward S. Elam, Sr. whom she married in Portsmouth, VA in 1946. She was the loving mother of Edward S. Elam, Jr., Robert A. Elam and Lawrence E. Elam all of Lexington Park, MD, Zelma J. Venters of Newport News, VA, Gail D. Elam of District Heights, MD, Ronnie J. Elam of Somerville, S.C. and Jesse E. Elam of Portsmouth, VA. She is also survived by her brother Lynell Cooper of Portsmouth, VA; 15 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, "Bits" Cooper. Mrs. Elam moved to St. Mary's County in 1950 from Portsmouth, VA. She worked as a Job Placement Coordinator for the State of Maryland until her retirement in 1997. She belonged to the following organizations: Eastern Star Club, Merry Wives Club and the Hospitality Club. Prayers will be said in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home on Friday, September 23, 2005 at 7:00 PM where the family will receive friends from 5:00 â?? 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 10:00 AM in First Missionary Baptist Church, Lexington Park, MD with Rev. McClanahan officiating. Interment will follow in First Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Charles Scott, John McManus, Bob Moore, Kenny Greene, Dean Hawkins and Tony Greene.