DATE: Wednesday, June 25, 1997              TAG: 9706250436

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B10  EDITION: FINAL 

DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE                        LENGTH:   45 lines

VERNICE N. ELAM

Retired U.S. Army Maj. Vernice Noel Elam departed this life early in the morning of June 23, 1997.

She was born Nov. 10, 1929, to the late Harry and Serena W. Noel. She was the second of six children. Vernice received her early education in the public schools of Norfolk. Following her graduation from Booker T. Washington High School, she matriculated at St. Phillips School of Nursing, Richmond, Va.

Upon completion of the program at St. Phillips, she entered the service of her country, joining the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, attaining the rank of major. During a rather lengthy period of service, she had tours of duty at such diverse locations as: Battle Creek, Mich.; Fitzsimmons Army Hospital, Denver; Brook Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas; Fort Eustis, Va.; Fort Story, Va.; Vietnam; and Fort Lee, Va. Her travels carried her to three continents and some 20 countries.

Vernice was married June 26, 1954, to John L. Elam. To that union was born a son, Dwayne Noel Elam.

Major Elam retired from active duty in 1972. Following her retirement Vernice became active in her church, Union Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. As a member of Union Chapel, she served variously as a stewardess, a steward, a class leader, a trustee, and as a member of the missionary society. She also found time to make several appearances at local elementary schools, discussing her own career and giving young ladies the inspiration to pursue worthwhile endeavors.

``Vern,'' as she was affectionately known, was dearly loved by the members of her family, to whom she devoted much of her time, talent and fortune. Vernice demonstrated throughout her entire life the perseverance and tenacity which are needed to deal with and overcome adversity. She was an inspiration to all.

Maj. Vernice Noel Elam is survived by her devoted son, Dwayne Noel Elam; her ex-husband, John L. Elam; two sisters, Barbara Ann Gay and Serena Noel Thomas, both of Chesapeake; brother, Melvin Noel Sr. of Norfolk; sister-in-law, Mattie Noel of Norfolk; brother-in-law, Aaron A. Gay Jr. of Chesapeake; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a myriad of friends. The family will be at the Elam residence.

A funeral will be conducted at Union Chapel AME Church, 1200 St. Julian Ave., Norfolk, at 1 p.m. Friday. Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake, is in charge. Interment will be in Roosevelt Memorial Gardens, Chesapeake. KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY

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