Glenda Searles Elam

On September 12, 2026, God gently closed those loving eyes of Glenda Searles Elam and whispered, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28. Glenda transitioned from her earthly home and entered into Eternal Rest.

Glenda was born on June 3, 1951, to the late L.M. Searles, Sr. and the late Cleo Jones Searles, in Lincolnton, Ga.

Glenda was the 11th of 14 children—9 of which preceded her in death. Gartrude, Elease, Minnie, Frances, Mary Delores, Jerome, Rebecca, Ethel, and L.M. Jr.

Glenda received her education at the Westside Training School. She graduated and was a proud member of the Class of 1969 in Lincolnton, Ga.

Glenda accepted the Lord as her Personal Savior at an early age and joined Mulberry CME Church in Lincolnton, Ga.

Glenda married the Love of Her Life, her High School Sweetheart, Jesse Lee “Sweetie Boy” Elam. This bond lasted for more than 56 years. To this Union—4 children were born. Carlos (Nollie), Hiawatha (Wassie), LaShaunder (Shunda) and Terrance (Pup).

Glenda lived her entire life in Lincolnton, Ga where she had been fruitful to her Labor.

Glenda joined and was baptized at Newberry Missionary Baptist Church family where she was a dedicated and faithful member until her health declined.

Glenda was a former Sunday School Teacher for the Beginners Class, Member of the WJ White Gospel Chorus, Member of the Pastor’s Aid Support Ministry, Kitchen Ministry, Discipleship Class Leader for New Members, Vacation Bible School Teacher, and Member of the Deaconess Board.

Outside of Newberry—Glenda had her own Outreach Ministry. Glenda blessed many sick, shut-in, elderly, widows, widowers, neighbors, friends, and family by preparing her Famous Chicken & Dumplings, Vegetable soup, Fried pies aka Sweet Potato Flap Jack, Tea Cakes, and Pear Preserves.

Glenda was faithful at every Jones & Searles Family Reunion by preparing and serving a special breakfast of Fried Goat with Gravy to the Men. Also part of her ministry was to call and check on Her People / All People ensuring Everyone was alright, to pray and continue praying.

Glenda had several hobbies—gardening and flowering was one of her Favorite. She spent many days, hours, and seasons in her yard and many trips to McCorkle Nursery with her cousin, Gladys (J-Lo). Her flowers and roses had to be just right. Glenda really had a Green Thumb.

Glenda’s middle name should have been The Dancing Machine. Dancing was therapeutic for Glenda. Even in her youth she had a love for dancing. In her teenage years, she met her Forever Partner, Jesse “Sweetie Boy.” They were famous for dancing at all family parties and functions to the “Green Onion.” Glenda leaves numerous memories by dancing through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's lives—every Sunday after church listening to the Mighty Peanut.

Glenda was One of a Kind—mostly sweet, but often sassy. She had a way of telling people things that definitely got their attention, Family or Not… She was also very demanding on what she wanted—from her clothes, to her jewelry, but mainly her Desired Food— Southern “Pig Feet”, oh my… the list goes on.

She made many secret calls to her nieces and nephews that she saw as her Bonus Children—Rell, Quoyah, Lawrence, Poocie, Lolet, Trina, Tootsie Pop, and cousins Gladys (J-Lo) and Roxanne. They had a pack. What she asked for—She Got It. When it was revealed that she shouldn’t have it—it slowed down some, but you can be assured it didn’t stop…

Glenda had a love for people. She will be greatly missed by many. Those left to cherish and honor her memories are her husband of the home —Jesse Lee “Sweetie Boy” Elam, 2 sons—Carlos (Mia) Elam of Grovetown, GA, Terrance Elam of Lincolnton, GA, 2 daughters—Hiawatha (Franklin, Sr) Sherman, of Lincolnton, GA, LaShaunder Elam-Lee of Washington, GA;; 16 Grandchildren—Hywrinthia, Brittany, Franklin Jr. (Chelsea), Carlos Jr. (Alexandra), DeBriah, Courtney, Divesia (Caron), Datlyn (Darius), Tydarius, Divenski Jr-DJ, Darrien, Damien, Frankquon, Destini, Ioyanna, and Caleb; 11 Great-Grandchildren— Hailey, Brayden, Briley, Nova, Emmett Jr., Elijah, Jaiden, Journee, Camden, Calayah, and Eve; 2 sisters—Joann (Sherman) Norman of Evans, Ga and Laverne Smith of Lincolnton, GA; 2 brothers—Douglas Searles of Lincolnton, GA, Roy W. (Heather) Searles of Augusta, GA; 3 Aunts—Bessie Williams of Atlanta, GA, Daisy Jones of Lincolnton, GA; Blanche Jones of Fresnos, California; 1 Uncle—Willie J. (Saddie) Harris of Lincolnton, GA; 3 Sisters-in-law Loutricia Searles of Lincolnton, GA, Jacqueline Searles of North Carolina, Joanne Elam of Lincolnton, GA; and 1 Brother-in-law—James Elam of Augusta, GA; and a host of special nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews, cousins, and friends.