Deacons of Spirit Creek Baptist Church 
Life is but a stopping place, 
A pause in what's to be 
A resting place along the road to sweet eternity. 
We all have different journeys, 
Different paths along the way. 
We all were meant to learn some things, 
But never meant to stay. 
Our destination is a place far greater than we know, 
For some, the journey's quicker, 
For some the journey's slow. 
And when the journey finally ends. 
We'll claim a great reward 
And find an everlasting peace together with the Lord. 
The family of Sylvia Louise Elam would like to extend their 
heartfelt appreciation and profound gratitude for all acts 
of kindness and deeds rendered to them during this time 
of bereavement. 
Memorials can be made to Paine College. 
KINSEY & WALTON FUNERAL HOME 
3618 Peach Orchard Road  Augusta, Georgia 30906 
(706) 790-8858 
Design/Printing By: 
Augusta Blueprint  Augusta, Georgia 30901  706.722.6488 
WWW.AUGUSTAFUNERALNOTICES.COM 
A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF 
 
 
SYLVIA LOUISE ELAM, born to Alexander and Freddie 
Elam on August 21,1948 in Augusta, Georgia, departed 
her earthly life on Friday, February 3, 201 7. She was 
preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Merritt. 
Sylvia accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and joined 
the Historic Spirit Creek Baptist Church. She was an active 
member of the youth church, where she served as the 
pianist for the youth choir and Sunday school. 
Sylvia began her formal education at Floyd Graham 
Elementary, continued to A.R. Johnson Junior High, and 
then T.W. Josey High graduating from the first class of 
1966, where she was crowned Miss Senior. She enrolled at 
Paine College graduating in 1970 obtaining a Bachelor's 
of Science in Sociology. 
Her professional career began in Augusta, Georgia 
at the Department of Family and Children Services 
(Child Protective Services). After relocating to Atlanta, 
Georgia she worked for the State Department of Family 
and Children Services. In 1999, she began work for 
the Georgia Department of Labor where she excelled 
and rose to the position of Assistant Commissioner. She 
retired in 2003. 
Sylvia returned to Augusta, Georgia to take care of her 
aging mother; giving up her stellar professional career in 
public service. Her passion in helping others, led her to 
a commitment in her church and the community. She 
gave lovingly and tirelessly to the needs of others ahead 
of her own. 
Sylvia leaves to cherish her loving memories: brothers, 
Richard (Linda) Elam of Henderson, Nevada and Terry 
(Patricia) Elam of Augusta, Georgia; nieces, Yvette 
Elam of Roseville, California, Sophia Elam of Victorville, 
California and Joi Elam of Augusta, Georgia; nephew, 
Brandon Elam of Macon, Georgia; godsister, Lillie K. 
Brown of Augusta, Georgia; goddaughter, Valesia Walker 
of Atlanta, Georgia; very special devoted friend, Fred 
Jones; and a host of other loving relatives and friends. 
ew/ece 
Friday, February 10, 201 7 
Eleven O'clock in the Morning 
HISTORIC SPIRIT CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH 
1 783 Dixon Airline Road  Augusta, Georgia 
Worship Leader, Reverend Patricia Jefferson Jones 
Historic Spirit Creek Baptist Church 
Processional 
Prayer...........................Reverend Marcus Rogers 
Williams Memorial C.M.E. Church 
Scripture.......................Reverend Matthew Haskell 
Historic Spirit Creek Baptist Church 
Selection 
Historic Spirit Creek Choir 
Reflections (3 Minutes)..........T.W. Josey Class of 1966 
George Williams, Family 
Solo............................Robert Culbreath 
Accompanied by: Fred Lockhart 
"My Soul's Been Anchored" 
Acknowledgements ... Reverend Patricia Jefferson Jones 
Selection....................Historic Spirit Creek Choir 
Words of Comfort................Dr. Reginald D. Jones 
Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church 
Recessional 
Interment Historic Spirit Creek Baptist Church Cemetery 
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Historic Spirit Creek Baptist Church 
Fellowship Hall