

She was born on June 2, 1942, to the late Claude and Carrie R. McKinney.
Formerly of Kannapolis, North Carolina, Elaine worked for Lance crackers as a packager for over 30 years. She was a Christian woman who had a deep and devout faith and was an active and faithful member at Living Way in Indian Trail, North Carolina. She loved teaching about Jesus and evidenced that in her role as a Sunday School teacher for many years. Elaine also loved and treasured her family and enjoyed the many precious memories she made with them.
Along with her parents, Elaine is preceded in death by her husband, Leon “Richard” Elms, Jr.; granddaughter, Mikala Brown; brother, Max McKinney; and sister, Joyce Deal. She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Ann Elms and Shirley Elms Brown (James); son, Danny Richard Elms (Kathie); granddaughter, Lauren Ameris Brown; grandson, James Daniel Brown; and sister, Carol McFarland.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm at McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe, located at 204 South Main Street, Monroe, North Carolina. A funeral service to celebrate Elaine’s life and homegoing will be held following the service at 1:15 pm in the McEwen Colonial Chapel with burial immediately following the service at Lakeland Memorial Park in Monroe, North Carolina.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenmonroechapel.com for the Elms family.
McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe is honored to serve the family of Elaine McKinney Elms.
PALLBEARERS
Terry Deal
Jimmie Moore
Seth Moore
Daniel Brown
James Brown
Zachary Ramirez
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