Mrs. Elise Ham DesPortes

It is with deep sorrow that the DesPortes family announces the death of Mrs. Elise Ham DesPortes, 92. Mrs. DesPortes, the widow of Bernard Baruch DesPortes, entered into rest on Monday, March 13, 2023. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family. A graveside funeral service to honor her life will be held at 2 o'clock on Friday, March 17, 2023, in Magnolia Cemetery, The Rev. William D. "Bill" Oldland will officiate, and the family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to the Darlington County Humane Society, PO Box 1655, Hartsville, SC 29551. Elise was born in Fayetteville, NC, on January 4, 1931. She was the daughter of the late Dr. Clem Ham and the late Sarah Patterson Ham of Union County, NC. Much of her childhood was spent in Monroe, NC, where Dr. Ham practiced medicine. She attended the University of South Carolina for a short time before meeting her soulmate, "Bernie." They settled in Hartsville, SC, where they remained happily married for 37 years. Elise's most treasured times were spent traveling and spending time at the beach with her family. She was a faithful servant, volunteering at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church on the Altar Guild. She enjoyed participating in her Bridge Club and Study Club. She was also an avid reader and animal lover. Elise was loved by all who knew her and made friends wherever she went. She cherished all of her family and friends, as they were her pride and joy. Her love knew no limits, and she welcomed all with open arms. Surviving are her daughters, Faye DesPortes Reaves of Hartsville, SC, and Ann DesPortes Simon (Reece) of Matthews, NC. She is also survived by her grandchildren, who affectionately called her, "Leesy." Jason Rogers, Sarah Rogers, Emily Jordan (Forest), Aaron Reaves, Matthew Reaves, Mary Reaves, Andrew Simon (Abbie), and Daniel Simon. In addition, she is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Nova Rogers, Analise Jordan, and Jackson Simon; her many nieces that were so special in her life. In addition to her parents, and her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughters, Sally DesPortes Rogers, and Susan DesPortes Hooks; brothers, Clem Patterson Ham, and Charles Edmund Ham.

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Mrs. Elise Ham DesPortes

January 4, 1931 - March 13, 2023