Doris Jean Elam

Doris Jean Elam, 87, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, MO, on Tuesday, March 19.

Doris Jean Atkins Elam was born in Sullivan County, MO, southeast of Lemons, on August 11, 1931, the daughter of Melvin Fern and Coral Fern (Bruce) Atkins. Jean’s sister, Melva Louise was born on the exact same date two years later and they enjoyed many birthday celebrations together. Jean graduated from Unionville High School in 1951, after attending Chappell grade school in Sullivan County. She was united in marriage by evangelist Lawrence Swearengen in Unionville, MO, to George (Lonnie) Elam on May 27, 1956. She and Lonnie started married life in Macon County, where they farmed. They later moved to Sullivan & Putnam Counties. Lonnie started working for MoDot in Putnam County in 1968. Jean was a “stay-at-home” mom. Lonnie raised a big vegetable garden and Jean canned and froze the vegetables. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family, sewing, embroidering beautiful quilts, working puzzles and reading, until her eyes wouldn’t allow it. She also collected TY Beanie Babies. She was a baptized member of the Church of Christ, and attend the Church of Christ her entire life, trying to live her life by Christ’s teachings.

Surviving Jean are her two sons: Larry Fern Elam of Kirksville, MO, and Roger Leon Elam of Unionville, MO. Also two granddaughters survive, Leah Marie (Elam) Duncan and husband Chris, and Tyla Dawn Elam; and one great grandson, Christopher Duncan, Jr. A sister, Louise Shultz of Unionville also survives as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, “the love of her life” on December 6, 2012, after 56 ½ years of marriage. Also preceding her in death are her parents, daughter-in-law Gloria Elam, and special niece, Joyce Green.

Funeral Services for Jean Elam will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Visitation will be from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Friday, March 22. Interment will be at the Lemons Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Lemons Cemetery, the Grant St. Church of Christ, and/or the American Heart Association and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.