Mary Joyce “Joe” Elam was born to the late Eber and Lillian Elam on September 15, 1948 in Port Arthur, Texas. She was called home to be with the Lord Monday, October 12, 2020 in Bossier City, Louisiana.
She was a born-again believer and was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. She was a faithful member of New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church, where she served diligently and was extremely committed to her ministry. She served as a Deaconess, Youth Sunday School Teacher, Intercessor, Usher, and a member of the adult choir. She served in any capacity needed because of her love for God and her ministry. She was deeply loved and cherished by her church family and was referred to as “Mama Joe”. Mama Joe had a loving, humble, and gentle spirit. Anyone who encountered her immediately felt her love for God, family, and friends.
She attended Southern University and A&M College where she met and married Melvin Cooper. To this union, three children were born; Michelle, Sharon and RaShann Cooper.
Mary received her Early Childhood Development Certification and was an exceptional and appreciated pre-kindergarten teacher at Greater New Guide Learning Academy and Bright Beginnings Pre-School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for 20+ years. She deeply impacted the lives of her students and they loved her just as much as she loved them.
She leaves to cherish her memories her daughters and son-in-law; Sharon Cooper, RaShann Trim (Charles), Carlos Tate, sister; Bertha Rhine, brother; Zachary Elam, grandchildren; Vidal Johnson (Teona), Gabrielle Cooper, Alexis Fisher, Aleic Cooper, Alexandria Fisher, Malik Shabazz, Alrick Fisher, Malcolm Shabazz, Tiffani Trim, Charles Trim Jr., and Paris Trim, great grandchildren; Mateo Johnson and Khoen Riley, godchildren; Erica Rhine and Shakhia Williams, nephews, nieces, and a host of other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her parents Eber and Lillian Elam, two brothers; Clinton Elam and Donnell Elam, three sisters; Bernice Thomas, Angela Nettles, and Frances LeDay, and her daughter Michelle Cooper-Tate.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 19, 2020, at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, Haughton, LA, officiated by Rev. Joseph Ricard. Interment will follow in Hill Crest Memorial Park. The family will receive guests at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
