Mr. Ben Elms, Jr.

BEN ELMS, JR. was born on October 17, 1938 in Bonita, Louisiana, the sixth of nine children born to the union of Annie Pearl (Davis) and Ben Elms, Sr. We would all affectionately call him "Junior". Junior received his formal education in the Morehouse Parrish School System of Louisiana. He accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at a young age and was united with Mound Chapel A.M.E Church in Jones, Louisiana. Junior joined his family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the early 1960s. He later found a church home with St. Mark A.M.E Church, under the leadership of Reverend Clarence Robinson. He attended church regularly with his sisters until he was unable due to his health. He worked diligently at Astro Plating in Milwaukee for numerous years until retirement. After his retirement, he enjoyed traveling back home to Bonita, as well as spending time with his sisters. He was also an avid movie watcher. Junior enjoyed a good debate and could make a conversation out of anything! He was witty, and had a wonderful sense of humor. Junior was also very astute with money. He prided himself in teaching children (and some adults) the value of money, often giving the children rolls of coins along with a lesson in saving. "If you're going to save a dollar, save a dollar, and go hungry before you spend that dollar!" He will be missed. Ben Elms, Jr. entered into eternity on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 with his family close by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Annie Pearl Elms and sisters, Essie Lee Elms, Roberta Dantzler and Aldean Watson. He leaves to cherish precious memories: a daughter, Dorothy Nell Douglas of California; son, Ricky Lynn King of Illinois; four sisters, Orean Mays, Marion Elms, Lessie Pearl Elms and Dorothy Hopkins; one brother, William (Cori) Charles, Sr.; two brothers-in law, Thurman Dantzler and Lonnie Watson; 13 nieces and nephews: Arthell, Timmy, AI, Reggie, Ronnie, Lonnell, Gervette, Don, Charles, Carl, Angie, Mike and Pam; and a host of other family and friends. Junior also held a special place in his heart for past long-term girlfriend, Rosie "Ricky" Moss; her daughters, Daphne Certion and Lisa (Johnny) Vales whom he helped raise; Lisa's children who considered Ben a grandfather, Britni Moss, Da'Zha Jordan and Da'Ron Jordan; and Daphne's children,Jerrod and Johnathan Certion.

Mr. Ben Elms, Jr.

October 17, 1938 - March 16, 2016