Elfriede Frieda Fulgham, age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Rest Haven Nursing Home in Tippah County.
Funeral services honoring Mrs. Fulgham’s life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with Rev. Jeff Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, July 17, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Following the service, Mrs. Fulgham will be cremated in accordance with her wishes.
Born on June 18, 1932, in Heidenheim, Germany, Elfriede was the daughter of the late Emil and Luise Emilie (Schwarz) Elsaesser. She was raised and educated in Germany and was a devoted member of the Lutheran faith. In 1970, she proudly became a citizen of the United States, embracing her new home while never forgetting her German roots.
On January 1, 1955, she married the love of her life, Odell Fulgham. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion, sharing more than seventy years of marriage before Odell’s passing on March 24, 2025.
Elfriede dedicated more than fifteen years of service as an accounts payable clerk for Freeman United Coal Mining Company before retiring at the age of 62. While she took pride in her work, it was her family and the simple joys of everyday life that truly made her happiest.
She and Odell loved taking trips to the casinos, where they enjoyed spending time together. At home, she faithfully watched The Price Is Right and Wheel of Fortune, and during football season she proudly cheered for her favorite NFL team, the Arizona Cardinals. Elfriede had a competitive spirit and loved playing cards. If family or friends were nearby, she was always ready for another game.
She especially treasured time spent with those she loved. Friday nights often meant enjoying one of her favorite meals—catfish fillets with her family. She also looked forward to dining at Hurt’s Grill, where shrimp and a baked sweet potato were always her favorite. Though she enjoyed life’s little pleasures, nothing brought her greater happiness than being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were the pride and joy of her life.
Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Rose Linda Johnson (Lee) of Ripley and Jo Anne Boyd of Nashville, Tennessee; one son, Billy Fulgham (Sharon) of Olive Branch; one brother, Rolf Elsaesser of Germany; six cherished grandchildren, Eugene Boyd, Erin Boyd, Candice Greenwood, Billy Fulgham Jr., Michael Anthony Holley, and Fredrick Lee Johnson; six beloved great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
In addition to her parents, Elfriede was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Odell Fulgham; one son, Freddie Fulgham; and two sisters, Ruth Zwlerlein and Enga Elsaesser.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion shown to Mrs. Fulgham during her final days. Your love and support brought comfort not only to Elfriede but to her entire family.
Elfriede will be remembered for her gentle heart, her love of family, her joyful spirit around a card table, and the countless memories she created with those she loved. Though she will be deeply missed, the legacy of love she leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Ripley Funeral Home invites family and friends to share memories and condolences with the Fulgham family.
