Peacefully on Thursday, April 7, 2011 Leanora Ellerbe went home to be with the Lord. Family and friends will unite on Saturday, April 16, from 10 A.M. until time of service 11 A.M. here at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, 2294 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, MD.
Leanora (Turner) Ellerbe was born in New York City on November 6, 1937 to the late John Turner Sr. and Ethel Habishaw. She was called home to be with the Lord on April 7, 2011.
Leanora graduated from Jamaica High School in Queens, New York. While attending Jamaica High, Leanora became an accomplished violinist. She loved all types of music, but classical held a special place in her heart.
The first job Leanora had in high school was babysitting. She would save her money to buy tailor made suits and boots. Leanora had impeccable taste in clothing. She was a “Diva” long before it became popular. Leanora’s favorite department stores were Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Gertz and Alexanders. The boots she bought were very stylish. The boots that she would wear were like something straight out of Vogue Magazine. From ankle boots to knee high stilettos, she had them all. This is how she got the nickname “Boots” from her friends and family in New York.
Leanora met the late Earl Ellerbe Jr. through a mutual friend and dated him for many years. While dating, Leanora and Earl would go to places such as the Audubon Ballroom and The Apollo Theatre. In the 1960’s the happy couple moved to the Washington DC Metro Area and lived there for several years. On August 8, 1969, at the age of 32, Leanora married the love of her life, Earl Ellerbe Jr. in Cecil County, Maryland.
Being city folks through and through, Leanora and her husband missing the hustle and bustle of “The Big Apple” soon moved back to their hometown of New York. During this time, Leanora was employed by such companies as Bell Atlantic and the McDonald’s Corporation.
Everyone was shocked to find out that in March of 1971, Leanora and Earl had a son, Jahmal Earl Ellerbe. After Earl passed in 1976, Leanora devoted her life to Jahmal by making sure he had the best of everything. From 1978 to 2011, Leanora was employed by The United States Postal Service. In 1999, Leanora moved back into the Washington DC Metro Area with Jahmal.
She leaves to cherish her son Jahmal Ellerbe, her sister Audrey Turner, brother Samuel Turner, niece Mary Turner, one great nephew Jvon Turner, three great nieces, Ebony Turner, Sinclair Michelle Badd, Samantha Turner and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Earl Ellerbe Jr., brothers Walter, Robert, Jeffery and John (Charles) Turner Jr.
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