Elmer Alexander Ijames of Millville, N.J. died on  Friday, March 2, 2018 at Genesis Healthcare Facility in Millville.

He was born in Davie County on April 4, 1924 to the late Elder John A. and Columbia Studevent  Ijames. During his early life, he worked alongside of his parents and siblings on their cotton farm. He met and married Catherine (Coulter) Ijames and settled in Newton where he resided for 62 years. They shared 40 years of marriage. Five years after her death, he was joined in marriage to Wilma (Sims) Ijames. Upon his declining health 11 years ago, he relocated to live his final years with his daughter and family in New Jersey.

As a child he was taught strong work ethics, working tirelessly to provide a stable life and comfortable home for his family. He gave many years of service at Clyde Fabric and Mid-State Mills during the day and operated Elmer’s Janitorial Service in the evening. He was well known, respected and loved in the community. friendly and kind to all. Raised in a Christian home with strict morals and values, which he patterned and lived his life by example, he joined and became a life-long faithful member of Clement Grove Church of God Seventh Day in Mocksville, where he served in many capacities. He loved to sing and had a strong deep base voice in the choir. When he was no longer able to perform his duties, he was honored to be named Deacon Emeritus.

He was also preceded in death by: Catherine; 2 infant children; Wilma, sister, Ila Rucker; brothers, Ivan, Ralph and Ernest Ijames.

Survivors: a daughter, Barbara Austin; granddaughter, Renee White; grandson, Michael Finger (Kisha); greatgrandchildren,  Brianna, Caleb, Joshua and Alysia; a sister, Edna Mason Allen; and a brother, John Lester Ijames.

His funeral service will be Monday, March 12 at 11 a.m. at Clement Grove Church in Mocksville. Elder Raymond Robinson Jr. will officiate and the Rev. Renee Finger White, granddaughter, will deliver the eulogy. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends 9-11 a.m. at the church.

Condolences: www.GrahamFuneralHome.net.