Erlene Haslam went home to be with the Lord on June 6, 2025, after a brief illness. Erlene, affectionately known as Doll or Doll Baby, was born December 13, 1945, in Montezuma, Georgia to the union of Bennie Haslam, Sr., and Mattie Haslam (Grant). She was a 1964 graduate of the former South High School. While a student, Erlene enjoyed attending dances and sporting events with family and friends. In later years, Erlene was known to host basement parties in her home. She enjoyed dancing and she was a great fan of old school R&B and the Blues. She would often play her music at the highest volume available. This would happen whether you were a fan or not. Erlene’s first job upon graduating high school was at Polsky’s department store, where she was an elevator operator. She was also a childcare worker for the YWCA. She ultimately retired as a teacher for Head Start, through the Summit County Community Action Agency. Erlene had a passion for working with children. Christmas was one of her favorite holidays. She believed her job was to call and inform others as to when various holiday cartoons were on television. She never wanted an artificial tree. She was proud to display a real pine tree every year. She was the eternal elf.
Erlene was preceded in death by her parents, Bennie Haslam Sr. and Mattie Haslam; brothers Bennie Haslam Jr. and John Haslam. She was also preceded in death by her sisters Mamie L. Davis, Ruth Elliot and Maggie Woolfork.
She is survived by her loving son, Darius Haslam; brothers, Leonard Haslam (Vivian), Terry Haslam (Fran); sisters, Mattie Haslam of Columbus, Ohio and Bertha Barron of Montezuma, Georgia. She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces and nephews.
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