Rosa Marie Elam

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.       Revelation 14:13

After a life well lived and extended illness, Mother Rosa Marie Elam went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday May 19, 2020 at Prisma Health Richland Memorial Hospital. 

Ms. Rosa Marie Elam was born October 7, 1947 in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Mr. Clarence Sr. and Catherine Elam.  She grew up in Edgefield, South Carolina and received her diploma from Storm Thurmond High School.  She moved to Columbia, SC soon after her graduation and made it her life-long home. Ms. Elam began working at Baptist Hospital in the mid 1960’s in the housekeeping department.  Her desire to care for patients led her to enroll in school where she earned her CNA certification.  Ms. Elam worked as a certified nursing assistant at Baptist Hospital for many years until she became disabled.  For all who were acquainted with Ms. Elam and loved her, knew she never allowed her physical limitations to stop her from accomplishing her full intentions. 

Ms. Elam was dedicated to her family and community.   Whether it was leading a 4-H local youth group, volunteering in her children’s school, lending a helping hand to family and friends, or working with the Homemakers Association, Ms. Elam made herself available to assist whenever and however she could.  Ms. Elam was known as an avid baker and cook; her sweepstakes award winning cinnamon rolls were a delight to all who tasted them.  The Lord anointed her to sew, crochet, and do whatever her hands sought out to do. 

Mother Elam was baptized in Jesus name and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost in 1981 at the Emmanuel Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Columbia, SC.  There she served faithfully as a member of the Gospel Choir, Pulpit and Pastor’s Aid, and Missionary Board. Mother Elam loved her church, her pastor and the members of the Emmanuel Church family. Mother Elam lived out her faith every day.  She loved God and she loved people.  She always wanted the best for all those she came in contact with and encouraged them to reach their full potential.  One of her famous sayings is, “God ain’t gonna come down here to do anything that you have the ability to do yourself”.  She always led by example and invested time with her children, family, and friends.  She often encouraged and prayed for all who she encountered.  Mother Elam always shared her wisdom and the truth of God. Mother Elam endured many afflictions, and hardships of which she overcame by the blood of the Lamb. The way in which she lived her life stands as a testimony of strength, endurance, compassion, forgiveness, and love. 

Mother Elam is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Sr. and Catherine Elam; siblings Clara Mae Stewart, Josephine Hillary, and Clarence Elam Jr. 

Mother Elam leaves to cherish a lifetime of her memories, two children, Stephone (Annette) Elam of Opelousas, LA, and Kimberly (Frank) Burns of Greenville, SC; sister, Mrs. Hattie (Arthur, deceased) Cotton of Alexandria, VA; sister in-law, Johnnie-Mae (Clarence Jr., deceased) Elam of Pheonix City, AL; eight grandchildren, Brittan (Jacob) Edge of Youngsville, LA, Stephone II (Katelyn) Elam of Youngsville, LA, Frank Burns Jr. of Greenville, SC, Bethany Elam of Opelousas, LA, Chelsea Burns of Greenville, SC, Rashad Burns of Greenville, SC, Bailey Elam of Opelousas, LA, and Sheldon Elam of Opelousas, LA; six great-grandchildren, Joshua Jr. and Jacob Lyles, Kateri Elam, Harmony Burns, Kai Stubley, and Shaun Burns; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. 

Mother Elam will truly be missed by all.

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