God took another angel, Elissa R. Oakley passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2015 at the age of 81.  She was born December 28, 1933 in Panama to the late Preston Henry Oakley and Bishop Myra Carrington. A resident of New York, Florida and California; Elissa moved to Manteca nearly nine years ago to be closer to her sons.
   While living in Florida she was very involved with the Red Hats Society, as ‘Mother’ of her chapter she planned all their gatherings, social and community events. She also enjoyed bowling and the great game of golf. 
   Our beautiful and always fabulous Ms. Oakley was a very strong-willed and determined woman who worked extremely hard. She instilled in her family to always hold their own and for the girls not to depend on a man for anything nor settle with just any man. As strict as she was glamorous; hair always laced, nails ever so elegant, stiletto ready, a natural bare faced beauty.
   Elissa is survived by her cherished family: sons, Guillermo Mears and wife Denise of Lathrop and Marvin Mears of Manteca; grandson, Aaron Mears of San Jose; brother Randolph Oakley and wife Zoila, and sister Reverend Hyacinth James all of Maryland; nieces, Diana James Waison, Vanessa, Michelle, Samantha and Desiree; nephews Anthony James, Eddie, and Nicholas; grandniece Tracey and grandnephew Anthony, Jr. 
   She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Alonzo Oakley and uncle Dr. George Priestley.
Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 South Central Avenue, Tracy is honored to serve the Mears Family, Oakley Family, Priestly Family, Lawes Family, and a host of cousins and other relatives.
   Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015 from 10:30-11:30 am and funeral services will follow at 1:00 pm. Ms. Oakley will be laid to rest at Tracy Mausoleum. An online guest book is available at www.frymemorialchapel.com for condolences and special messages to the family.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, January 21, 2015