John Salem Elias

Obituary of John Salem Elias
It is with profound sadness and grief that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved brother, "John" Salem Elias in Charlotte, North Carolina on April 26, 2023, surrounded by his children.
John was born on July 12, 1951 in Ramallah, Palestine to the Late Salem Saliba Elias and Late Miriam Mousa Khalil Elias and emigrated to the US with his family in 1967. He resided in Jacksonville, Florida until 1990 at which time he relocated to Columbia, South Carolina. He became an active member of the community, a prominent constituent of the Sandy Run Lutheran Church and was eventually promoted to the status of an ordained Deacon.
John was loved by all and never met a stranger. His gift for creating an entertaining atmosphere with his continuous jokes kept his family and friends roaring with laughter. He lived life to the fullest with his carefree attitude and heart of gold helping anyone in need at any time. His strength and fortitude throughout his illnesses sets an example for all of us to emulate. We will greatly miss his warm demeanor, jovial charisma and affectionate personality.
He is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his three children, Daniel Elias, Jennifer (Jason France) Elias and Julie (Michael) Norfleet, as well as two brothers, Edward (Rima) Elias and Nidal "Sam" (Poppi) Elias and four sisters, Suad (Late Ibrahim) Harb, Abla (Late Karim) Akel, Hiyam (Late Odeh) Odeh and Ellen (Oscar) Khoury, along with one grandson, Dylan Miller, and a multitude of relatives including cousins, nieces and nephews and many close friends.
This world will never be the same without John and we will miss him dearly. He will be forever loved and remembered. May he rest in peace and may his memory be eternal.
Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday, April 30, 2023 at Sandy Run Lutheran Church, 1927 Old State Road, Swansea, SC 29160. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm with Mass at 2:00pm followed by Burial ceremony and Meal of Mercy.