Arabelle Ellerbe

On Monday, March 13, 2023, Arabelle “Abby” Ellerbe passed away peacefully with her husband Lee Trone “Bo” by her side. Abby entered this life on June 23, 1957, in Marion, South Carolina, born to the late Earnestine and Arthur Davis whom she loved dearly. Abby at a young age accepted Christ and became a member of her family church, Friendship A.M.E. Church in Gresham, South Carolina. During her young adult years, she became a member of Miracle Temple Holiness Church in Marion, South Carolina. This is where she learned to enjoy gospel music. During her adult years in Lithonia, Georgia, she attended Fairfield Baptist Church. Abby was educated in Lower Marion County School District No. 3. Abby graduated from Rains-Centenary High School in Rains, South Carolina, with the class of 1975. Abby excelled in academics while in school and never missed a day of school from primary to high school. She was awarded for this, receiving a 12- year perfect attendance. After graduating from high school, Abby went on to Durham Business College in North Carolina, receiving her Associate’s Degree in Accounting. She later received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. Abby also attended Emory Univerysity, and Dekalb College in Clarkston, Panthersville, and Gwinnett. Abby had this thirst for knowledge—she wanted to know something about everything. She loved education; she made sure that the younger generations of her family were well-read, always giving educational toys, books, and lectures to help them understand the importance of studying and obtaining a good quality education. Being an athlete all her teenage and young adult life, Abby played basketball and went on to play in the 1975 High School Girls Single “A” South Carolina State Basketball Championship under coach Taft Watson. Abby continued to love sports, especially of basketball. An avid college basketball fan, this was her time of year with March Madness in full effect. Abby’s first job after graduating from Durham Business College was with the Lower Marion County School District No. 3, becoming a teacher and bus driver simultaneously. Always looking to pursue her dreams, she left the school system and became an administrator with the Marion County government. In 1980, Abby met the love of her life, her husband, Lee Trone Ellerbe “Bo,” of Marion, South Carolina. They were married on July 5, 1986, and settled in the Lithonia/Stone Mountain area of Metropolitan Atlanta. That same year she became employed with Emory University as an accountant. Abby was promoted and excelled in her positions at Emory until her death. Abby was a free-thinker; she moved to the beat of her own drum. She loved her husband, and he continues to love her. She loved her family via blood and marriage, and we love her. She loved freely and wholeheartedly. She poured into her family and her friends, and she did it while smiling. Abby was preceded in death by, her sister, Laura Hughes, and brother, Arthur Davis. Abby leaves behind her devoted husband, Lee Trone Ellerbe “Bo;” sisters, Lula and Annette of Gresham, SC, Sabrina of Marion, SC, and Linda Faye (Walt) of Lithonia, GA; brother, Murray “Tim” of Gresham, SC; and a host of sisters-in-love, nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends

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Arabelle Ellerbe

June 23, 1957 - March 13, 2023