Lenora Kellam, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother departed this journey on January 18, 2025. She was born in Wingate NC, June 9th, 1949,to the late Sarah Lee and Curtis Rorie who preceded her in death.

In May of 1983, she married John David Kellam Sr.to whom she remained married to for the next 42 years as the dynamic duo. Where you saw one you saw the other. She and her husband joined New Morningstar Baptist Church on 7/21/2019 where she was renowned for being detailed, and her famous reminder; "Do you know where your badges are?". She served as an usher, deaconess and the pastor's pulpit assistant. She was the ONLYdeaconess that had her own cabinet and key. Lenora also purchased all the pastoral necessities with her own money (indicative of her giving spirit)and a consistent tither!

Lenora was a sweet, attentive spirit who would do things like ensuring your favorite beverage, soda, or snack were available whenever you visit ed (andwould not let anyone touch them either).  She secretly liked fast cars with the Red Mustang 5.0 being her favorite (but wouldn't drive them). Instead, she'd sit in the passenger seat and allow you the privilege of chauffeuring her around for the day! She was a warm-blooded person who kept it toasty year-round, the type of person that would go out on the porch on a 90-degree day and sit, while everyone else enjoyed the air conditioning. She also made the best seafood salad on the east coast; we're still looking for that recipe…

She was extremely supportive of her grandchildren's endeavors and activities traveling throughout the country to see her granddaughter play volleyball, or her grandson's swim meets.  Always decked out in that school's colors or the team's mascot with a matching colorful jacket, sweatshirt, or T-Shirt.  Lenora was a huge sports enthusiast who was a connoisseur of both college and pro basketball, and football teams. She had a special affinity for LeBron James, but it paled in her devotion to her beloved Redskins/Commanders. A fierce fan who was quick to show you her personalized phone cover if you were confused and regularly rivaled the first lady's love for the Dallas Cowboys. She was a highly competitive card player regularly battling her husband and anyone else who donned her door looking for a game of 500.

Lenora was also preceded in death by her brother Anthony Rorie, and son John David Kellam.  She is survived by her husband John D. Kellam Sr. Children: Regina Bivens, Roderick Royster (Lavonia), Sharon Byrd (Rick), Patricia Brown (Tony), Joseph Kellam (Barbara), Deborah Davis (Johnny), and Elizabeth Parker.  Grandchildren: Khaleb Byrd, Kamisha Kellam (Kenny), Aja Cannady, Erika Totten (Travis), Terron Cannady, Danielle Hoyle, RayNeshia Bivens, Daniel Prejean, David Prejean, and Destin Prejean. Nephew: Samuel Scott and sister Peggy Aro (Olubayo). An additional 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and a host of friends and loved ones.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, January 31st, at New Morning Star Baptist Church, located at 5016 Sheriff Road NE, Washington, DC 20019. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with services to follow. Following the services, Lenora will be laid to rest at Cedar Hill Cemetery.