Ms. Lenore Lee Ethridge

***NOTE: A MEMORIAL SERVICE IN LOVING MEMORY FOR MRS. LENORE LEE ETHRIDGE WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2026, AT OUR FUNERAL HOME ***PLEASE SEE VISITATION & SERVICE TIMES LISTED BELOW ***MASKS AND HAND SANITIZER WILL BE PROVIDED BY REQUEST. _________________________ The DVD Video Tribute will be available soon _________________________ The Obituary On May 18, 1940, Lenore Lee Holland Ethridge was born in Detroit, Michigan, the only child of Grady Harper and Pearl Holland. She was raised in Holly, Michigan, where she developed the strong character and love for learning that would define her life. Lenore received her early education at Olive Branch, a one-room schoolhouse in Holly, Michigan. She then attended Holly High School where she graduated valedictorian of her class. She went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1963 with a degree in Education. Following her graduation, Lenore began her teaching career as a Spanish teacher at Romulus High School. She later relocated to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she taught at Plainwell High School before joining the Kalamazoo Public School system. Over the course of more than 30 years, she dedicated herself to education, teaching Spanish, ESL, and Social Studies ending her career at Kalamazoo Central High School. She also made a lasting impact through her work with the Kalamazoo Adult Education Program at Old Central High School, where she built meaningful relationships and created cherished memories with colleagues and students from around the world. In 1965, Lenore married Robert Wiley Ethridge of Monroe, Michigan, a Spanish teacher at Southwestern High School in Detroit. From this union, their son, Michael Robert Ethridge, was born on January 7, 1971. Lenore was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., having pledged the Nu Chapter at the University of Michigan. She remained an active and devoted member of the Kalamazoo Alumnae Chapter, supporting its fundraising efforts and initiatives. She also served on the Mary McLeod Bethune Awards Committee and was a longtime supporter of the "Delta Dears". Lenore found joy in reading, ceramics, photography, and cooking. She was known for her warm spirit, kind heart, intelligence, perseverance, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Her presence brought comfort and joy to all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her sister, Terrell Bowers; her aunt, Mildred Holland; her cousin, Ruth Jones; and her uncles, Schaefer Jones, Clarence Jones, and Hyler Jones. Lenore leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy: her son, Michael Robert Ethridge; her daughter-in-law, LaWanda Burrell Ethridge; her niece, September Gray; her nephews, Jaime Bowers and Shoun Bowers; and her great-nephew, Andre Bowers. She is also survived by a host of loving cousins, including Captoria Shelby, Ronald Ballew, Devorah Badee, Angela Jones Lewis, Sparkle Jones Fowler, Jerome Jones, Schaefer Jones Jr., Vertrice Jones, Vera Tillman, Clarence Jones Jr., Kimberly Jones Miller, Stella Jones, Hyler Jones Jr., Kenyatta Jones, and Nathan Smith. Lenore's life was one of service, dedication, and love. Her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched.

Ms. Lenore Lee Ethridge

May 18, 1940 - April 3, 2026