Lurlia M. Ellerbe

MS. LURLIA “MAE” SMITH ELLERBE was born the seventh of ten children on February 3, 1944 in Florence County to the late David Smith, Sr. and the late Mary Gurley Smith. She departed this earthly life on January 8, 2025 after an illness.

Lurlia was affectionately called “Mae” by many family and friends. She was a graduate of Wilson High School class of 1962. She furthered her education at Florence District One Vocational Nursing School.

Lurlia was a member of Mount Sinai Holiness Church in Florence, SC.

Lurlia started employment at McLeod Infirmary and later Bruce Hospital. After 45 years of service, she retired from the Carolinas Hospital System.

Lurlia was a vibrate woman and she let nothing stand in her way.

“Mae” was preceded in death by her parents, David Smith, Sr. and Mary Gurley Smith; son, Thomas Valentine Ellerbe, Jr.; six siblings, David Smith, Jr., Ernest Smith, Barbara Jean Smith, Glen Smith, Sr., Helen Cooper and Mary L. Anderson; one great-grandson, Isaac Phillip, III; and two sons-in-law, Ronnie Gordon and James Richardson.

Those left to cherish her fond memories are two daughters, Sharon Ellerbe Gordon of Florence, SC and Latonya Ellerbe Richardson of Florence, SC; grandchildren, LeDarrius “Shawn” (Michelle) Ellerbe, Shameccia Ellerbe, Marquis (Kia) Ellerbe, Holden Sansbury and James Richardson; twelve great- grandchildren; three siblings, Morris (Doretha) Smith, Sr., Ruth Ann Wilson and Martha Barr; special niece, Yolanda Mitchell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Please keep the family of Lurlia M. Ellerbe in your thoughts and prayers.