Lemuel James Elzy

Lemuel James Elzy was born to proud parents, the late Emmett Wesley Elzy and Beatrice Brown Elzy, on May 3, 1942 in Thomasville, Georgia. Eight children were born to this union. His parents, four sisters (Vida D. Watson, Wilma Jean Taylor, Grace Elzy Cooney and Alma J. Donald) and brother Rudolph Elzy, Sr. preceded him in death. Lemuel transitioned from his earthly home on August 4, 2026. Lemuel accepted Christ as His Lord and Savior at an early age at First Missionary Baptist Church in Thomasville, GA; and would later continue his walk of faith at New Mercies Christian Church in Lilburn, GA, joining in July 2004 where he served as a faithful member until his death. Lemuel attended Douglass High School (Thomasville) and accomplished many academic achievements including the Honor Society; Student Council; Business Club Manager; Yearbook Staff and the H.Y.P.E.R. (Helping Young People Excel and Rebound) Club. He graduated in 1960 as his senior class Salutatorian. Upon graduation, he attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he frequently made the Dean’s List; was a member of the Spanish Club and played Intramural basketball. One of Lemuel’s most notable achievements was joining the Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated in Fall of 1963 where he served as the chapter’s “keeper of peace”. His line name, “Dog Silent”, resonated in how he lived his life: silent yet vocal; discerning yet observant; mindful yet nonjudgmental. Lemuel graduated from Morehouse in 1965 having earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance. He would remain a dedicated Morehouse alum, attending every homecoming where he would hang on “the hill” and reminisce with classmates and fraternity brothers. In 1965, Lemuel married Donnarae Hiley and to this union, three beautiful girls were born: Joelle Nicole; Dionne Michelle and Leighanne Yvette. In 1967, Lemuel founded professional accounting and tax preparation firm Elzy Accounting Services, Incorporated, serving thousands of clients for 57 years until his illness. Lemuel briefly worked as a mail carrier for USPS as well as a gate agent for Delta Airlines prior to beginning his career at General Motors Company. His expertise as an automotive Business Manager spanned for much of his 38-year tenure before his retirement from GM in 2008. His academic and professional accomplishments pale in comparison to the love Lemuel gave to others. The many stories shared involving his selfless acts of kindness; willingness to mentor and overall beliefs will be forever embedded in the hearts of those he encountered. The acrostic for his name “LEM” speaks to his life “Loving Every Moment”, a mantra those he came in contact with have benefited from. Lemuel loved God, his girls, grandchildren, family/friends and the Atlanta Falcons for which he was a 50- year season ticket holder. He was a loyal Falcons fan, never missed a home game, and would not leave until the clock ran down no matter the score. In 2022, he was named an “Atlanta Falcons Father of the Year” and received personal accolades and a visit from its mascot “Freddy the Falcon”. Lemuel leaves to cherish his memory three daughters, Joelle Nicole Elzy, Dionne Michelle Battle and Leighanne Yvette Terry (Nolan); eight grandchildren, Jala Nicole White, Ryan Megan Cameron, Nina Ronniè Battle, Jordyn Elyse Terry, Jamisen Cole Terry, Ronald Lee Battle III, Jared Myles White, and Justin Bryce Terry; two brothers Edwin C. Elzy (Laverna) and Leo Elzy, Sr.; sister-in-love Elizabeth Elzy; lifelong friends Clinton “Ce Ce” Golson, Essie Rankins and Willie Moore; family friend Victor Martin; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, church members, bonus family members and friends. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4 Lemuel James Elzy, 84, of Marietta, GA passed on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Celebration of Life Service (LIVESTREAM: https://newmercies.online.church/) will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM at New Mercies Christian Church, 4000 Five Forks Trickum Rd. SW, Lilburn, GA 30047. Visitation will be held Friday, August 21, 2026 from 12 PM to 6 PM (Family will be present from 5pm-6pm) at Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Home, Gwinnett Chapel, 914 Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 30045. Interment will be held at East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum, 87 Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 30046. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, Gwinnett Chapel, 914 Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 30045.

Lemuel James Elzy

May 3, 1942 - August 4, 2026