Barbara R Elam

July 23, 1953 – July 27, 2025

Barbara was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to parents Barbara Jarvis and Robert Clegg.

Barbara attended Germantown High School in Philadelphia before moving to Los Angeles, California, where she began building a life rooted in faith, family, and service. From Los Angeles she relocated to San Diego, California, where she was married for a short time and blessed with two children, George Elam, IV and Angella (Elam) Wilson.

Professionally, Barbara dedicated herself to the field of social services, driven by a lifelong passion for helping others. Her career spanned across San Diego, Orange County, and eventually Las Vegas, Nevada, where she moved with plans to retire.

Barbara was a devoted member of First AME Church in Pasadena, California, where she served faithfully, especially in the children’s ministry. Her deep and abiding faith in God was a guiding force throughout her life. One of the greatest honors of her Christian journey was assisting Reverend Latisha Smith in the founding and opening of First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Val Verde (aka Castaic Community)—a testament to her commitment to ministry, community, and the growth of God’s kingdom.

After retiring in Las Vegas, Barbara embraced life fully—spending cherished time with friends and family, and enjoying many of her favorite pastimes. She loved her regular lunch dates with her grandsons, the twins, George and Thaddeus, and being involved in their activities along with her frequent trips to Colorado to visit her other two grandchildren, Jameson and Samatha and participating in their events. Barbara had a love for the theater, dining out, and occasionally gambling at her favorite casino. Most recently, she found great joy in being part of the community at Lifetime Fitness, where she not only exercised regularly but also formed many meaningful friendships.

Barbara’s warmth, spirit, and generosity leave a lasting legacy. She is survived by her two children, George (Lily) Elam and Angella (Duane) Wilson four beloved grandchildren, Jameson and Samantha Wilson and George and Thaddeus Elam, two sisters, Robin (Gilbert) Ruiz, Sandra (Leon) Singletary, two brothers, Thomas and Fredric Cole and a stepbrother, Robert (Lillian) Clegg, along with a host of nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s honor to

First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Val Verde

castaicamechurch.org