Linda Delores White Elam

Linda Delores White Elam, born October 20, 1947 in Stamford, CT to Sarah Wilson Ray and the late James Henry White, transitioned peacefully at the age of 74, on October 27, 2021 after a courageous four-year battle with ovarian cancer. Linda attended Stamford Public Schools and college in pursuit of her dreams of becoming a Paralegal. She accomplished that dream as an advocate for equal rights and social justice. In 1973, she filed the civil rights suit “Moss v. Stamford Board of Education,” challenging their plan for elementary school integration on the grounds that it placed a disproportionate share of the burden of achieving racial balance on Black and Brown children. She has always been a fighter. After relocating with her family to Richmond, Virginia, she continued her fight for equality through her service at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). She fought for Black farmers through Legal Aid’s Virginia Poverty Law Center and served as a paralegal for John Taylor, Attorney at Law. Linda was also a director for the RCAP Head Start program. She spent her later years working and training others in performance excellence as an Assistant Vice President at Suntrust Mortgage, where she retired in 2007. She firmly believed that education was the pathway to a purposeful and productive life and encouraged higher education in her daughter, granddaughters, and the women she nurtured and mentored at work. Linda was a member of the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, under the leadership of Dr. Lance D. Watson. At Saint Paul’s, she served as a Greeter and was a member of the Care Team, Bereavement Team, and the Celebration Choir. For many years, Linda was an outstanding Girl Scout leader for Troop 173 at Good Shepard Baptist Church and often volunteered with “A Mother’s Justice,” assisting mothers in need. She was a giver. Most importantly, she was the human embodiment of love. Linda was a woman who never hid her humanity nor her vulnerability. She took the risk, allowing love to be her greatest aim. She moved through each season of life, desiring to become closer to His unconditional love. “Jesus said! Come to me” Matthew 11:28, and she did. Linda fought cancer boldly, faithfully listening to her Father and allowing her heart to guide her treatment plan. She was determined to live a rich, full life - on her terms! Linda was exceptionally gifted and had a unique eye for style. Her artistic ability led her to create stunning stained glass, unique ceramics, woodworking, and more! She always took great pride in her appearance and never shied away from the camera, careful to embrace every moment with friends and loved ones. Linda always dressed impeccably, and her hair was never out of place. That was “Ms. E!” Linda lived an abundant life! She was sweet, and she was sincere; soft, and she was strong. Linda was proud and brave, and boy was she passionate! She was funny. She was astute. Linda loved hard and was definitely the person you wanted to have on your team. She Loved The Lord! Her sacred space was among her flower and vegetable gardens, where she would have worship and praise—seated, front-row to witness God’s miraculous works. Her greatest titles in life were that of Mother and Grandmother! She loved and adored her children and granddaughters. An exceptional, loving mother, Linda always sought ways to provide and spend quality time with her family. She never missed a birthday, graduation, cookout, or any special event. Linda understood the power of presence! Linda was predeceased by her beloved son, Roy Moss, Jr., stepfather, Rylie Ray, father James H. White, and siblings, Luciene Penny, James A. White, Gayle Hillman, and Marion White. She leaves to celebrate her life, her loving husband, James H. Elam; devoted daughter, Ayasha Sledge (LaMont); her beloved granddaughters, Niasia Ellis and Sanaa Sledge; mother, Sarah Wilson Ray; sisters Jacqueline Wilson and Dawn White; brother Malik White; nieces, Robin Ballard and Jerrhonda White; five nephews; great-nephew, Zaya Anderson; cousins, Lynne Scott and Chevvone Bray and a host of family, friends, colleagues. Our creative, artistic Queen has entered into God’s eternal rest through His perfected Love. Our Ancestors await her spirit presence. Ashay

Tributes

Linda Delores White Elam

October 20, 1947 - October 27, 2021