Rev. Dr. Wesley Leon Elam

Rev. Dr. Wesley Leon Elam, 71, of Durham, NC entered eternal rest on Monday, September 28, 2015 at Duke University Medical Center in Durham. Rev. Elam was born in Zuni, VA on February 17, 1944 to the late Willie Thomas and Florence Green Elam. He received his early education from the public schools of Isle of Wight County and graduated from Georgie Tyler High School in Windsor, VA. A graduate of Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA, he also received a Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from the Apex School of Theology. Rev. Elam served as Pastor of North East Baptist Church in Durham, NC, serving for over 24 years. In addition, he also served as the Vice-Moderator for the District II churches in the New Hope Association, as a past President of the New Hope Union and as a member of the Board of Directors of Central Children’s Home and the Apex School of Theology. Rev. Elam was a decorated U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Mildred Haskins. Cherishing his memories are his wife of 48 years, First Lady Sylvia H. Elam of Durham, NC, two children, Ayesha Elam of Durham, NC and Wesley L. Elam, Jr. of Greensboro, NC, twin granddaughters, Madisyn and Makenzie Elam of Durham, NC; three brothers, Rev. James Elam, Sr. and Frank Elam of Windsor, VA and Matthew Elam (Brenda) of Zuni, VA; two sisters, Katherine Butler of Ivor, VA and Florence Brown of Newark, DE; one sister-in-law, Blanche A. Goode of Buffalo Junction and a vast number of other loving relatives and caring friends. Funeral services for Rev. Dr. Wesley Leon Elam will be conducted 1:00 P.M. Monday, October 5, 2015 at Peace Missionary Baptist Church, Durham, NC with Rev. James Elam, Sr., officiating. Burial will follow at a later date at St. Mark Baptist Church Cemetery, Buffalo Junction, VA. Arrangements are by C. H. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service.