Elaine LaPointe Beckham, a resident of Hart County since 1983, died on September 27th 2015 at age 90.

Elaine was born on August 25, 1925 in Burlington, VT, the daughter of the late Henry and Helen LaPointe. She was a wonderful cook, well-known for her homemade brownies, black bottom pie, and spaghetti sauce.In her younger years, she could be found water skiing, traveling the world or planning a party.She was an avid reader and a loyal fan of the Atlanta Braves. She was a crackerjack bridge player, playing several times a month until her death.

She was a devout Catholic and an active member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Hartwell. She will be remembered for her deep faith in God, her love of her family and friends, and her generosity.

Before retiring to Hartwell, Elaine was employed at Emory University for 19 years in Atlanta, serving as the assistant to the Dean of Men, and at the Emory Clinic as the assistant to the Chief of Surgery.

She was active in many civic groups, both in Atlanta and Hartwell, and was very generous with her time as a volunteer.She served as President of the American Business Women's Association of Atlanta and was active in raising funds for nursing scholarships.In Hartwell, she was a member of the Literacy Volunteers of America where she taught adults to read.She also served as President of the Hartwell Garden Club, President of the Garden Club Council, President of Our Lady's Circle at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, and President of the Hart County Hospital Auxiliary where she was a volunteer for 23 years.

She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, James Edward "Ed" Beckham of Hartwell, GA, and her sister, Beatrice "Bea" Strucel of Milwaukee, WI. She is survived by her son Gregory Beckham and his wife Ann, of South Riding, VA, daughter Susan Brown and her husband Bill of Marietta, GA, and daughter Claire DeLany of Charleston, SC.She is also survived by five grandchildren: Catherine Beckham Hall, Thomas Beckham, Jon Beckham, Ben Brown and Katie Brown McCollum. She leaves five great-grandchildren: Alex McCollum, Audrey McCollum, Celia McCollum, Jonathan Hall, and Miles Beckham. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Gloria Beckham Everett, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church on Benson Street on Friday, November 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with a reception to follow in the Founders Hall.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady's Circle, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 1009 Benson Street, Hartwell, GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.