1 Upcoming Event
Celebration of Life
JAN
17
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Starts at 11:00 am
Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
27 Monroe Place, Montclair, NJ 07042
Katherine Elam, 94, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on November 24, 2025.
Born on July 28, 1931, in Oxford, North Carolina to Marcellus and Carrie Allen, Katherine was the only daughter among seven children. She was raised in Montclair, New Jersey, where she often reminisced about her childhood home at 10 Sherwood Street. She was preceded in death by her six brothers: Robert, Aubrey, William, Marcellus, James, and George.
A proud graduate of "good ole" Montclair High School's Class of 1952; Go Mounties. Katherine was fondly remembered by classmates for her ability to Cut a Rug. (a real good dancer). She later married John A. Elam Sr., with whom she shared 34 years of marriage until his passing. Together they raised two children: Kathy and John Jr. Katherine was preceded in death by her beloved daughter and is survived by her son, John Elam Jr.
Katherine was industrious throughout her life, working in various roles and eventually retiring from Van Dyke Nursing Home in Montclair. She also dedicated many years as a homemaker while raising her family.
She had a special talent for nurturing plants and was known for her exceptional cooking—her macaroni and cheese always exceeded expectations. Family time during the holidays was special to her and often filled with music. With sheet music in hand and portable Hammond organ ready; one of her favorite songs to play and sing was "Oh Danny Boy."
A devoted member and Deaconess at Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Katherine served faithfully alongside her husband. She found joy in reading the Bible and singing hymns. Known affectionately as "Mom Kat," she maintained a sharp mind. Her ability to remember important dates and crunch numbers well into her nineties was quite uncanny.
Katherine is also survived by her daughter-in-law Deborah Elam; grandchildren Jonathan and Patrice Elam; nieces Debbie Chambers, Karen Giles, and Carolyn Goodwyn; along with many other nieces, nephews, and friends.
She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and deep love for family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held for Katherine on Saturday, January 17, 2026, 11:00am at Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 27 Monroe Place, Montclair, NJ 07042.
Born on July 28, 1931, in Oxford, North Carolina to Marcellus and Carrie Allen, Katherine was the only daughter among seven children. She was raised in Montclair, New Jersey, where she often reminisced about her childhood home at 10 Sherwood Street. She was preceded in death by her six brothers: Robert, Aubrey, William, Marcellus, James, and George.
A proud graduate of "good ole" Montclair High School's Class of 1952; Go Mounties. Katherine was fondly remembered by classmates for her ability to Cut a Rug. (a real good dancer). She later married John A. Elam Sr., with whom she shared 34 years of marriage until his passing. Together they raised two children: Kathy and John Jr. Katherine was preceded in death by her beloved daughter and is survived by her son, John Elam Jr.
Katherine was industrious throughout her life, working in various roles and eventually retiring from Van Dyke Nursing Home in Montclair. She also dedicated many years as a homemaker while raising her family.
She had a special talent for nurturing plants and was known for her exceptional cooking—her macaroni and cheese always exceeded expectations. Family time during the holidays was special to her and often filled with music. With sheet music in hand and portable Hammond organ ready; one of her favorite songs to play and sing was "Oh Danny Boy."
A devoted member and Deaconess at Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Katherine served faithfully alongside her husband. She found joy in reading the Bible and singing hymns. Known affectionately as "Mom Kat," she maintained a sharp mind. Her ability to remember important dates and crunch numbers well into her nineties was quite uncanny.
Katherine is also survived by her daughter-in-law Deborah Elam; grandchildren Jonathan and Patrice Elam; nieces Debbie Chambers, Karen Giles, and Carolyn Goodwyn; along with many other nieces, nephews, and friends.
She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and deep love for family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held for Katherine on Saturday, January 17, 2026, 11:00am at Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 27 Monroe Place, Montclair, NJ 07042.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Katherine Elam, please visit our flower store.
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