Dena Elem (Lansing)

Ms. Dena Elem passed away Sunday, April 26, 2020 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. Age 55 years. She was born March 5, 1965 in Lansing, Michigan; the daughter of William Ira Elem and Deanna Latham.

Dena lived a faithful life; she was a believer of God and was raised in a Southern Baptist Church. Dena worked several years at a financial institution as a phone bank teller. She worked primarily in customer service with her last position at Sparrow Health Systems – Lansing as a switchboard operator. Dena was a happy and generous person who loved reading, watching TV, playing board and card games. She also loved going to concerts. Dena loved hosting family events like the yearly Superbowl Party. She loved traveling with family and her numerous friends; Dena was always a joy to be around. Dena lived a wonderful fifty-five years, mostly in Lansing, Michigan.

She leaves to cherish her memories her sister, Teresa Wilborn, Morton Grove, Illinois; niece, Sophia Wilborn and nephew, Jacob Wilborn both of Morton Grove, Illinois; 4 aunts, Ethel Drake, Las Vegas, Nevada, Jackie (Sam) Newton, Freeport, Illinois, Marie (John) White, Lansing, Michigan and Lillie Morgan-McNeal, Lansing, Michigan; 4 uncles, James Elem, Fulton, Tennessee, Danny Elem, Fulton, Tennessee, Donald Morgan, Atlanta, Georgia, and Vincent Morgan, Lansing, Michigan; 10 first cousins, Regina Drake, Samuel Newton, Greg Drake, Tiffany Drake, Katrina Morgan, Tasha Newton, Shaun Newton, LaRecia McNeal, Goddaughter Teara McNeal and Jalen White; many other relatives including half-siblings, Willise, Jewel, Jermaine and Chad; step-brothers, Steve, Kirk, Ralph and Keith; and friends, including special friends Matt H., Lisa and Barb, whom the family wishes to thank for their care and concern of Dena.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Ira Elem who died 3 days prior to her on Thursday, April 23, 2020; her mother, Deanna Latham; brother, Mark Elem; grandparents and uncle, Rory McNeal.

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