Jessie Lee Ellerby

Mr. Jessie Lee Ellerby, age 76, of Sanford, NC transitioned to eternal rest on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at his residence. 

The Obituary

Sergeant First Class Jessie (aka Jesse) Lee Ellerby was born on January 21, 1949, in Chatham County, NC to Leroy and Myrtle Taylor Ellerby.  Jesse accepted the Lord at an early age at Taylors Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized years later in the early 1990's. Early on Saturday morning, March 1, 2025, Jesse answered the Lord’s call to “come home”, and his earthly body entered into eternal rest.

Jesse was educated in the Chatham County School System.  At the young age of 19, he was drafted into the US Army and fought in the Vietnam War.  His experiences in Vietnam had an everlasting effect on him, and he often talked about the traumas of war.  Sergeant First Class Ellerby continued his military service in the US Army Reserves until 2009; where he retired with 40 years of combined military service.

Jesse loved serving in the Army, and felt it was his duty to inform every veteran about their veterans’ benefits that were due to them.  (Not Given; But Earned.)    Because of his wartime experiences, Jesse didn’t let most things bother him.  His favorite saying was “It Don’t Mean Nothing”.

In his family's eyes, Jesse was the hardest working man EVER.  He could never just sit down and be still.  There was always something that needed to be done.  He was constantly making sure the household; the lawn and the cars were in top notch shape.  He also made sure his children had everything they needed; and he was continually advising and imparting wisdom to his grandchildren and so many other young folks.  He also found time to make sure his two sisters had the essentials they needed.

Jesse held several supervisory/managerial positions with Coty, Pfizer, Carolina Atlantic Roofing, and Frontier Spinning Mills before he medically retired.  After his retirement Jesse continued to serve his community as he worked part-time with the Lee County Sheriff's Office.  He also was a member of the Kiwanis Club; and he served on the board of the Helping Hands Clinic and Lee County Planning Board.

In 1977 Jesse met the beautiful; yet shy, Linda Smith in Fort Jackson, SC, in the Dining Facility where he was the Dining Manager. Linda wanted yams and mac & cheese, and one of the cooks said she could only have one.  Jesse overheard the conversation, and he told the cook to give her both.  Who would have known that yams and mac & cheese would lead to marriage in 1982.  This became Jesse's joke throughout their marriage -- that Linda was forever indebted to him over some yams and mac & cheese.  Jesse loved himself some Linda!  They were blessed with a daughter, Tamara, and son, Shawn.  

Jesse was extremely proud of his son, Shawn’s, accomplishments. And if you talked to Jesse you would definitely hear about Shawn.  Tamara was Jesse’s baby girl — no matter how old she was; he felt that he needed to protect her.  But the funny thing about it is that she protected him just as much.  Tamara is quiet; but she don't play about her daddy.  Jesse lost several years with his bonus daughter, Yalanda.  Yet, God brought them together; and he genuinely loved Yalanda and her family very much.  
Jesse’s passions were Cooking, Old School Music, and Muscle Cars.  Just as much as he loved cooking, he also enjoyed indulging in some good food (especially soul food and seafood). 
He also loved to watch the Sanford and Son TV show over and over again; and each time he would laugh so hard like he had never seen it before.

In 1999 Jesse was diagnosed with cancer.  For over 26 years, he LIVED with that disease.  He never wallowed in self-pity.  Instead, he stayed upbeat and full of hope.  Jesse always said, “He’s Not Afraid”.  He continued to live his life to the fullest -- with an abundance of laughter, fun, and love of life.  Even when the sickness left him bedridden, he never complained about anything!  We Salute You Soldier!

Jesse was predeceased by his parents Leroy and Myrtle Ellerby; and two sisters, Brenda Goldston and Debra Ellerby.

To cherish his memories Jesse leaves behind his devoted wife of 42 years, Linda Smith Ellerby; a daughter, Tamara Ellerby-McNeil; a son, Shawn Ellerby (Timeka); a bonus daughter, Yalanda Edwards (Trent); two sisters, Doris Palmer and Linda Faye Ellerby; a brother, David Ellerby (Dale); and a cousin/brother, Michael Cotten (Shirley); brothers-in-law,  Jimmy Goldston; Thomas Smith (Dorothy); Enos Smith (Betty); William Smith (Carol); Raymond Smith; and Wellington Langley; sisters-in-law, Vera, Evelyn, Barbara, Sandra, Mariethia, and Annette Smith, and Gwendolyn Ellerby.

Nothing brought Jesse more joy than the presence of his grandchildren, Kourtney, Antwan, and Ashton Ellerby; Devonte and Maurice McNeil; and Mekhi Womack; bonus grandchildren, Courtney, Tiara, Trent Jr., and Mya Edwards; son-in-law, Carlos McNeil; honorary daughter, Takia McLeod; and God grandson, Aubry McLeod. Jesse also leaves behind numerous friends and associates that he thought very highly of.

Family and friends will be received Wednesday, March 5, 2025, through Friday, March 7, 2025, from 1p.m. to 7 p.m. at the family residence.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC