Brenda Jean Elam, 78, of Olton, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, in Olton, TX. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning, Feb. 4, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Olton with Brother David Azam officiating. Interment followed at Plainview Memorial Park, in Plainview, under the direction of Ramage Funeral Directors.
Brenda was born on Nov. 28, 1946, in Clifton, TX, to Newt and Sudie (Simmons) Gant. She grew up in Akin, TX and attended school in Lockney. On Aug. 29, 1964, Brenda married Larry Elam. While in Akin, Brenda was a hairdresser at her shop. In 1985, Brenda and Larry moved their family to Olton. She was a wonderful mother, excellent cook, and was an active volunteer. Brenda and Larry moved back to Akin so she could care for her parents before moving back to Olton in 2006. For the next 13 years, Brenda served as a substitute teacher and bus driver for Olton ISD. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. She was Olton’s Woman of the Year in 2017.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband; a son; two daughters; a foster daughter; two brothers; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Runningwater Draw Care Center, PO Box 409, Olton, TX 79064, the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/donate<https://www.alz.org/donate>, or the First Baptist Church, PO Box 408, Olton, TX 79064.