J.E. Washington Funeral Services, Inc. - Youngstown

Obituary For Mrs. LaVerne June Ponder Ellerbe

Farrell A homegoing celebration in honor of Mrs. LaVerne June Ponder-Ellerbe will be held Thursday September 8, 2022 at 11am at Cedar Ave Church of God, 1045 Cedar Ave in Sharon, PA. Mrs. Ellerbe departed this life September 1, 2022. LaVerne was born June 17, 1935 in Farrell, PA to Mr. Nellion and Mrs. Elsie Louise Copeland-Ponder. She was the 3rd of 5 children; Sister, Juanita Boatner (deceased), brother, Nellion, Jr. (deceased), brother, Wendell Leon (deceased), and sister, Carol Jean Ponder. Mrs. Ellerbe attended the JA Farrell School and was a 1953 graduate of Farrell Senior High School. Immediately after graduating high school, Mrs. Ellerbe enrolled as a student at Sharon General School of Nursing and completed the Registered Nursing Program as 1 of 2 African American students in 1956. Mrs. Ellerbe would work as a registered nurse at Sharon General Hospital for 35 years and retired in November 1997. Mrs. Ellerbe was a proud nurse that enjoyed the compassion, dedication, serious commitment, and knowledge that is required on the job. Mrs. Ellerbe married Christopher Ellerbe in 1957 and, together, they had 4 children: Crystal Lynne Ellerbe-Gregory, Christopher, Jr (deceased 1 day after birth), Carol Diane (deceased at 2 ½ years old), and Gloria Lorraine Ellerbe. Mrs. Ellerbe and Christopher Ellerbe divorced in 1979. Mrs. Ellerbe was a strong woman of faith, virtue, prayer, and living by example on her Christian Walk. A member of Cedar Avenue Church of God, she was saved April 14th, 1963, a few days after the death of her daughter on April 9th, 1963. Mrs. Ellerbe also belonged to a group of Christian believers and prayer warriors who literally walked the streets throughout the community praying for people, called the Prayer Partners. She was also a member of the group ‘Fools for Christ’ and a former choir member. One of her favorite scriptures is 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 because it speaks about love and compassion and Proverbs 3: 5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Mrs. Ellerbe was one of God’s devout soldiers during her life and will rejoice in the kingdom of God. LaVerne is survived by sister: Carol Jean Ponder, daughters: Crystal Lynn Gregory and Gloria Lorraine Ellerbe, grandchildren: Terrica L. Gregory, Melvin T. Gregory, Vernon F. Scott, Jr., Marcus A. Gregory, Collette Gregory, Ashley C. Scott, and Robert C. Trudo III, great grandchildren: Whitney A. Murray, Wandell A. Murray, Malaysia A. Gregory, Terrica L. Murray, Sanaa N. Gregory, Tayonna L. Murray, Dwight S. Gregory-Allen, Malachi M. Owens, Jalen T. Gregory, L’Wren N. Gregory, and Caaliyah C. Gregory, and great-great grandchildren: Ja’Elle L. Goudy, and Imari A. Murray. She was preceded in death by parents, Nellion and Elsie Louise Ponder, sister Juanita Boatner, brothers, Nellion, Jr. and Wendell Leon, children, Christopher, Jr. and Carol Diane, and great grandchild, William Anthony Murray, Jr. The family will receive friends Thursday September 8, 2022 from 10-11am at the church.

Guest Book

Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your mother. Just remember to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord. Continued Prayers

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We want to give our deepest sympathy to the Family of MRS, LaVERNE PONDER ELLERBE. ---- Sis. LaVerne was a very kind and considerate person, who would go out of her way to show warmth and compassion, not only on her job as a nurse in the hospital, but also where ever she may meet you. I thank God for the priviledge of having known Sis. Ellerbe. FROM ETHA MOSLEY PRICE AND CHILDREN;- TONI LYNNE, and ALONZA ASKERNEESE.

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I knew Laverne for a long time & she was always a beautiful person inside & out. My sincere condolences; I know she is resting with GOD 🙏🏽Elizabeth Lampkins

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- J.E. Washington Funeral Services, Inc.