Elton China

Mr. Elton China, life journey began on Wednesday, October 7, 1942, born to the late Mr. James and Mrs. Carrie China to a large family of ten siblings. He transitioned peacefully from this earthly life to eternal rest early Sunday morning, December 5, 2021, at the age of 79 at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter, South Carolina.  He and the late Mrs. Virginia Britton were the proud parents of three beautiful daughters, Valerie, Jacquelyn and Roxanne.  He later married the former Lillie Mae Montgomery for 34 years, adding to his family, three sons and two daughters, Albert, Clifton, Rollie, Denise and Barbara.  

Bro. China, affectionately called “Elt” by his family and friends, was a proud graduate of the former Eastern High School Trojans in Sumter, South Carolina.  Knowing the value of hard work, after graduation, he found employment at Santee Print Works in Sumter, South Carolina, where he worked faithfully for over 40 years.

Bro. China was a life-long member of Beulah AME Church.  He was a quiet, soft-spoken person, who enjoyed singing.  He was a member of the former “Harmonaires Choir”.  In later years, he became affiliated with Mt. Sinai Presbyterian Male Chorus.  He also enjoyed watching his favorite sport “baseball”, both professional and community teams, but never picked any one particular team as his favorite. He just enjoyed the game!  His favorite television show and comedy was “Sandford and Son”.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lillie Mae China; four brothers,  Henry Lee China, Leo China, Sylvester China and Frank China; three sisters,  Lila Mae China Dantzler, Emma Lee China, James and Ethel China.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories five loving and devoted daughters,  Ms. Valerie (James) China and Mrs. Jacquelyn (Terry) Rufus of Sumter, SC, Mrs. Roxanne (Ike) McDowell of Charlotte, NC,  Mrs. Denise (Robert) Harry and Barbara Ann Toney of Lynchburg, SC; three sons, Mr. Albert Montgomery of Columbia, SC, Clifton (Connie) Montgomery and Rollie (Karen) Montgomery of Washington, DC;  two sisters,  Mrs. Everlena (Marvin) Benson of Hampton, GA and Mrs. Agnes China of Easton, PA; 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Sarah China of Sumter, SC and Mrs. Ruth China of Alexandria, VA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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