Leta Ray Pelham

Our beloved Leta Ray Ellison Pelham, age 79 and resident of Whitney, Texas was called home by her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, July 6th, 2022. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday July 12, 2022, at Bethlehem Cemetery near Whitney. Officiating will be Scott Pelham. A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Monday July 11, 2022 at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors in Whitney.

Leta was born November 25th, 1942, in Rotan, Texas, to the late William and Edith Ellison. In her younger years at the age of 8, she began piano and voice lessons. She won many awards in competitions and state contests for her vocal talent.

She moved to Whitney Texas her sophomore year in High School, where she loved to play basketball, volleyball and acquired so many wonderful friends. She graduated Whitney High School in 1961. She met a handsome man, Robert Harold Pelham at Missionary Baptist Church where they soon married in 1962. Two amazing children were born from this union, Harold Douglas in 1965 and Tina Michelle in 1967.

Leta loved to read her Bible, her church, praying with others, spending time with family, laughing and always wearing a smile on her face. She was humble, loving, sometimes stubborn, always caring, beautifully spirited and loved the Lord. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and always thinking of others above herself. “To know her is to love her”. She was a talented, seamstress, homemaker, pianist, and loved playing piano and organ for her church, Towash Baptist. She loved to cook, garden, crochet, and the most loyal Dallas Mavericks fan ever!

Preceeded in death by parents William Finis and Edith Ray Ellison, brother Larry Douglas Ellison, husband Robert Harold Pelham, son Harold Douglas Pelham and granddaughter Samantha Renee’ Pelham.

Leta leaves behind, to cherish her loving memory, daughter and fellow warrior Tina Pelham Early. Grandchildren, Jacob Pelham, wife Lauren and great grandson Brayden. Lindsay Early Scroggins, husband Kent and great grandchildren, Henley and Landon. Granddaughter Whitney Early. Grandson Bailey Early. granddaughter Autumn Vela, husband Roland and great grandchildren Olivia, Alexander and Elena. Patrick Post, Susan and grandchildren Savannah, Reagan and Hudson, and a host of extended family and friends.