Nelle D. Elam

1933 - 2025

Nelle DeLoach Elam, a cherished and inspiring figure known for her unwavering commitment to family, education, community and the arts, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025 in Collierville, TN, leaving behind a legacy that touches countless lives. She was 92 years old.

Born with a fearless spirit and heart full of kindness, Nelle dedicated her life to perpetual forward momentum, fostering positive attitudes and uplifting those around her. Throughout her years she was recognized not only for her dedication as a teacher and mentor, but also for her contribution to the community through the arts and library support.

Nelle's life was marked by her deep love for her family. Nelle is survived by her daughters, Lisa Elam Kenny and husband Chris, and Leslie Elam Graves and husband Frank; special family members Zach Rowland and Rose Sebba Rowland; and her cherished grandchildren: Chris Elam and wife Courtney, Kyle Elam and wife MaryEsther, Brad Rowland and wife Amy, Daniel Graves and wife Sarah, Elizabeth Graves, and Sarah Graves Chambliss and husband Matthew. She also leaves behind a legacy of love through her great-grandchildren: Connor Elam, Ethan Elam, Wyatt Elam, Mackenzie Murphy, Cole Elam, Tyler Rowland, Audrey Rowland, Collin Rowland, Sam Graves, Abby Graves, Ellie Graves, and Mary Chambliss. Nelle was preceded in death by her husband, William Warren Elam, her son, William Franklin Elam, and her grandson Eric Michael Rowland. She was a devoted Mama, Nanny and friend, always providing support, wisdom and encouragement. Mama Nelle's home was a welcome sanctuary filled with laughter, stories, and the aroma of her beloved homemade meals.

While caring for her husband and three growing children, Nelle worked at MSU, and finished her Bachelor's and master's degrees in art education. She made significant contributions to her community by creating an art program at Starkville High School, where one formerly did not exist. She also was a devoted member of the Friends of the Library, and a founding member of the Starkville Area Arts Council 25 years ago.

While teaching she touched the lives of countless students. She helped self-proclaimed non-artists never feel any less than the more talented students, fostering a life-long love of drawing in their own way, making class fun and exciting for the non-artistic. She taught an understanding of concepts of art such as the color wheel and use of negative space. One student regaled her with stories of his recent use of knowledge she imparted decades ago, bringing joy and laughter in her final weeks. She strived to make every student feel like his or her best and brightest, dearly loved and capable of great things. Her classroom and her heart were safe havens for her students. She was compassionate to the point of rubbing the neck until it no longer hurt of a student that came straight from typing class. She believed in you long before you believed in yourself. She has been described by friends and students as kind, loving, generous, encouraging, caring, insightful, beautiful, talented, favorite teacher, LOVED, and BEST teacher EVER! She was awarded Mississippi Teacher of the Year, 1988-89, Disney Outstanding Visual Arts Teacher of the Year, 1990, and The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award, 1993, bringing recognition to Starkville High School and the city of Starkville.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Starkville, MS, with the visitation immediately following at The FUMC'S Gathering Place.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the William W. and Nelle D. Elam Scholarship at MSU or your favorite non-profit organization.

You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.