Marian Carter Elam

Passed 03/01/2023

Obituary For Marian Carter Elam

Marian Gathright Carter Elam, was born January 17, 1923 to the late Charles and Alma Gathright. She was predeceased by husbands, Warner Carter and Seba Elam and brother, Sherlock Bowman Gathright. Marian graduated from Armstrong High School and continued her formal education at Richmond Professional Institute and Virginia Commonwealth University. Her career in public service began at the Hanover School for Boys and continued as a dedicated employee of the Department of Interior’s Richmond National Battlefield Parks for over 30 years. During her service she was a part of the team that worked toward the the establishment of the Maggie Lena Walker House as a national landmark. Active in civic work, Marian served as the first president of the Newtowne West Civic Association. She tirelessly advocated for the redevelopment of her beloved community and the restoration of Maggie Walker High School. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Richmond Funeral Directors Association, AARP of Richmond and Zenobia Gilpin Memorial Tents #580 of the United Order of Tents. She joined Ebenezer Baptist Church at an early age and participated in numerous church committees. Her service as a kindergarten teacher for over 55 years combined her love of children and the sharing of her faith. Marian truly loved the fellowship of her family and friends—she was always ready to be there for those who needed her. She is survived by her daughter, Janice Mackey of Columbia, Maryland; two grandchildren, Jonathan Jackson (Kathryn) of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin and Kristen Beaman (Andrew) of Austin, Texas; step daughter, Rosena Elam; step granddaughter, Nicole Wilkerson; six great-grandchildren, Ally, Bella, Niki and Skye Jackson, and Austin and Wyatt Beaman; goddaughters, Alberta Hill and LaVerne White; nieces, Vivian and Kimberly Carter; nephews, Melvin, Rodney and Kenneth Carter; other cherished family members and friends. Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., where viewing will be held Monday, March 6 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 7 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 216 W. Leigh St. Interment Riverview Cemetery.