Susan Eileen McKim Elam, passed away into the loving presence of her Lord and Savior in Pearland, Texas on February 3, 2025, her 85th birthday, with family by her side.Susan was born on February 3, 1940 in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania to Charles L. McKim and Verna Moon McKim. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 45 years Marvin Elam, brother Charles L. McKim, sister Peggy Claypool and granddaughter Mandy Gottschalk.
She is survived by brother, David McKim of Florida, daughter, Melanie Grote (Austin Grote) of Pearland, grandson, Mason Grote, best friend Pat Smajstrla, stepchildren Marsha Elam, Machel Jordan, Marvin Elam III (Rhonda Elam), Renee Newsom (John Newsom), Michael Elam (Laura Elam), thirteen step-grandchildren and numerous other cherished friends and family who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.
Susan grew up in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1958 before earning her Secretarial Certificate at Geneva College. She moved to Texas in 1965 and worked as an administrative assistant for multiple entities, including the City of Hedwig Village, Houston Atlas, and Armco Steel Corporation, until she worked alongside her husband as the office manager for Elam’s Photography.
She was an active member of her community and supporter of Pearland ISD serving on multiple PTAs. Susan was a parishioner of St. Helen’s Catholic Church until her health prevented her from attending in person. She was a member of the Pearland Lioness Club, Pearland Chamber of Commerce, Clean Pearland and Keep Pearland Beautiful, volunteered at the Adult Reading Center, and became a member of the Red Hat Society. Additionally, Susan was a founding member of the Pearland Area Republican Women initiating several events such as Souper Saturday and donations of dictionaries to several local schools. She was an avid reader, loved to learn and enjoyed music and singing.
The family of Susan Elam sends much appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Trinity Oaks Assisted Living, The Harbor Assisted Living, and Essential Hospice and Palliative Care who extended incredible support and love in the final years of Susan’s life.
Friends are invited to the visitation with family on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. with a rosary and funeral service to follow at 6:00 P.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N Friendswood Dr, Friendswood, Texas 77546 officiated by Rev. Daniel Diaz de Leon, M.Div., Hospice Chaplain, Essential Hospice. Donations to the Pearland Area Republican Club or Brazoria County Republican Party in her name are appreciated.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
