Mrs. Margaret Blackwell Elam, 97, peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at her residence on Elam Avenue.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Lincolnton City Cemetery, with Rev. Tripp Goodwin officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home.

Born to James William Blackwell and Lillie Brown Blackwell of Lincolnton, Mrs. Elam cherished her role as a homemaker, enjoying her yard and garden. She fondly remembered annual family gatherings at Surfside Beach and her seasonal employment at The Little Shop during the Christmas holidays, bringing joy to customers. As the oldest member of Lincolnton Baptist Church, her faith was a cornerstone of her life.

She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Lovett and her husband Richard of Hayesville, NC, and Lily Crook and her husband Darrell of Lincolnton, GA ; her grandchildren, Margaret Denise Speight, Brian Crook, William E. "Trey" Courtney, III, and Trent Ward Courtney; great grandchildren, Jared Henry, Mason Mathias Courtney and Emma Margaret Courtney; a great-great-grandson, Elam Henry; and along with numerous other family members.

Mrs. Elam was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Charles Ward Elam, her son, Charles Ward Elam, Jr.; four sisters, Lillie Mutimer, Harriett Callaway, Frances Stokely, Peggy Paquette; and two brothers, J.W. Blackwell and Tell Brown Blackwell..

Memorial contributions may be made to Lincolnton Baptist Church, P.O. Box 357, Lincolnton, GA 30817, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

The family invites you to sign the online guestbook at www.reesfuneralhome.net.

Rees Funeral Home, 195 N Peachtree St., Lincolnton, GA 706-359-3222 would like to thank the Elam family for your trust and confidence to serve you during this time.