Brenda Jean Elam, 78, of Olton, died Friday, January 31, 2025, in Olton, Texas.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Olton with Brother David Azam officiating. Interment will follow at Plainview Memorial Park, in Plainview, under the direction of Ramage Funeral Directors.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Ramage Funeral Directors in Olton.  Visitation will also be held from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 3, 2025, at Ramage Funeral Directors.

Brenda was born on November 28, 1946, in Clifton, Texas, to Newt and Sudie (Simmons) Gant. She grew up in Akin, Texas and attended school in Lockney. On August 29, 1964, Brenda married the love of her life, Larry Elam, and they were married for over 60 years.  While in Akin, Brenda was a hairdresser at her shop, The Country Girl Cut N Curl. In 1985, Brenda and Larry moved their family to Olton.  She was a wonderful mother, excellent cook, and was an active volunteer in all her kid's activities.  Brenda also sold Home Interiors & Gifts and was known for her decorating talents.

Brenda had a servant's heart and in 1999, she and Larry moved back to Akin so she could care for her parents.  She spent the next seven years as a caretaker before moving back to Olton in 2006.  For the next 13 years, Brenda served as a substitute teacher and bus driver for Olton ISD where she touched countless children's lives. A member of the First Baptist Church, Brenda had an unwavering faith and was a prayer warrior for friends and family alike. Named Olton's Woman of the Year in 2017, Brenda made a positive impact on the Olton community and all who knew her. Most of all, Brenda loved the Lord and her family and she will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Newt and Sudie Gant and a brother, Ray Gant.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Larry Elam of Olton, son, Timothy Elam and wife Breanna of Australia, two daughters, Tamara Elam of Vancouver, Washington and Tonya Morris and husband Jimmy of Olton, a foster daughter, Teena Harper of Lubbock, and two brothers, Fred Gant of Apple Valley, California and Roy Gant of Graham.  She was blessed with eight grandchildren: Trevor Morris and wife Jessica, Bethany DeBerry and husband Dillon, Garret Morris and wife Caitlin, Manoah Elam, Eden Elam, Azariah Elam, Lilee Jean Elam, and Shiloh Elam and six great-grandchildren: Conner, Hudson, Brynlee, August, Kasetyn, and William.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Runningwater Draw Care Center PO Box 409 Olton, Texas 79064, the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org/donate , of the First Baptist Church PO Box 408 Olton, Texas 79064.