Early Life and Education

Mrs. Lenora “Nancy” Abraham Eaddy was born on September 7, 1957, in Florence County, to the late Florence Mae Cain Abraham and Jimmie “Rooster” Abraham. Raised in the Claussen Community, Lenora was known by many as “Nancy” and affectionately called “Katie” by her father. She attended the public schools of Florence County and graduated from South
Side High School in 1975 (South Florence) at the remarkable age of 16. While in high school she worked for the Veteran’s Affairs Office. An avid softball player, she was a cherished member of the Claussen community softball team.

Faith, Love, and Community Service

From an early age, Lenora dedicated her life to Christ, joining Salem United Methodist Church in Florence, South Carolina. She was a beloved choir member, known for her angelic voice that ministered to many. Lenora also sang with the community group the “S&E Concert Choir.” Through her gift of song, she captured the heart of the love of her life, who asked for her hand in marriage.

On February 5, 1977, Lenora married Mr. Emmit “Joe” Eaddy, Jr. Lenora adored Joe and was a devout and loyal wife who supported her family in all they did. They were blessed with a daughter, Jotaka Latrice Eaddy. Lenora was Jotaka’s biggest cheerleader, her unwavering supporter through every milestone and challenge. Later in Life, Lenora and Joe would travel the world with their family and enjoy retirement. Their most enjoyable trip was her lifelong dream of visiting the Motherland when her family traveled to Senegal, Africa. 

Lenora later joined St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church in Johnsonville, South Carolina, where she served faithfully in numerous roles until her health declined. Her contributions included membership in the Inspirational Mass Choir, the Safronia Jessie Adlee (SJA) Women’s Missionary Society, and coordination of the St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Outreach Food Ministry. She also served as an advisor to the St. Mark Young People's and Children’s Division, a member of the Pulpit Aide Ministry, Chairperson of the Stewardess Board, member of the Steward Board, Assistant Finance Secretary, Co-Chair of the Acolyte Ministry, and served as the St. Mark AME Church Event Coordinator.

Career and Personal Life

Early in her career, Lenora worked for YOPP Manufacturing and then Yarn Industries. She eventually transitioned to work for Florence School District 5, focusing on special needs students until her retirement in 1997 due to a Lupus diagnosis. Her dedication to helping students, especially those facing challenges, was unwavering. She also served as a poll worker for more than 20 years with the Florence County Election Commission. Deeply involved in civic and community organizations, Lenora held various roles, including Worthy Matron and Treasurer of the Kingsburg Chapter #182 Order of the Eastern Star in Johnsonville, South Carolina, where she served for more than 25 years. She also served as the Associate Deputy of District 9 Order of the Eastern Star. Additionally, she was a member of the Lady Double Dozen Social Club for more than 10 years, where she served as Treasurer. She was Chairwoman of the Pee Dee Area Veteran’s Group Women’s Auxiliary. Additionally, Lenora actively volunteered at the Pee Dee Center of Disability and Special Needs and was a devoted member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and a supporter of the National Council of Negro Women.

Lenora was an original member of Win With Black Women (WWBW) from its inception, playing a foundational role in supporting the movement that her daughter, Jotaka Eaddy, founded in August 2020.

Family and Legacy

In addition to her parents, Lenora was preceded in death by her grandson, JaQuan Hicks, sister-in-law, Ophelia Eaddy Woodberry, and brother-in-law Troy Eaddy.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of 47 years, Emmit Eaddy, Jr., of the home; one caring and devoted daughter, Jotaka Latrice Eaddy of Washington, DC; and her stepson, Fitzgerald “JJ” Sumpter of Dayton, Ohio, whom she deeply loved. Lenora was a proud and loving grandmother to two grandchildren, Shakira (Andre) Sauls of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Seven Zephania Sumpter of Rock Hill, SC, and an honorary grandson, Moyer McCoy of Washington DC.. She is also survived by two supportive brothers, Alexander Abraham and Rev. Ebbie (Doris) Abraham, both of Florence, South Carolina; two acquired brothers Tim (Shirley) Wilson and Willie Abraham of Florence, S.C.; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Ola Mae McFadden of Kingstree, South Carolina, and Elois (Gerody, Sr.) Boatwright of Johnsonville, South Carolina, Brenda Simms of Florence, SC; and one brother-in-law, Rayford Eaddy of Johnsonville, South Carolina. Lenora raised two special family members as her own children, she was a second mother to both: nephew, Lamont Abraham of Florence, South Carolina, and niece, Tameka (Sammy) Woodberry-McCormick of Marion, South Carolina. She also cherished her special grand-niece Maya Woodberry of Marion, SC, great-niece, Hailey Mae Abraham of Florence, South Carolina, and her special great-grand-niece, Paisley Woodberry of Marion, South Carolina. She also leaves behind her godmother, Ms. Susie “Boo” Abraham of Florence, South Carolina; her best friend and cousin, Iris Katrina Abraham of Florence, South Carolina; and close friends, Helen Deas, Janet Alston, Gwen Reese, Hannah Stuckey, and Doris McWhite, all of Johnsonville, South Carolina. Other surviving family members include nephews Rev. Barry (Laura) McFadden of Florence, South Carolina, Cedric (Maretta) Abraham of Lexington, South Carolina, Rodney Boatwright of Florence, South Carolina, and Randy Chester Boatwright of Johnsonville, South Carolina; nieces Tammy McFadden of Atlanta, Georgia, Fredericka (Frank) Commedo of Marion, South Carolina, LaKeisha Eaddy of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Dr. Sonya McFadden of Atlanta, Georgia, and Natasha Abraham of Florence, South Carolina; Four loving Godchildren Ron Ham of High Point, NC, Trell Ham of Florence, SC, Vante Woodberry of Johnsonville, SC and Carson Warren of Pamplico, SC. and a devoted friend and caretaker, Kimberly Belin Woodberry. Her memory will also be cherished by many great-nieces and nephews, great-grand-nieces and nephews, sugar babies, cousins, other relatives, and a host of friends.

Conclusion

Lenora “Nancy” Abraham Eaddy’s life was a testament to love, faith, and service. She was loved by all she met and rarely met a stranger. She had a giving heart and always led with love. Her legacy of kindness, dedication, and community will continue to inspire all who knew her.