Eleanor Alice Tufts was born Oct. 22, 1942 (the same day as her mother), the only daughter and second oldest of four children born to Jefferson D. Tufts Sr. and Ruby L (nee CROSBY). She died Saturday, Dec 27, 2008 at South Pointe Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, at age 66. Eleanor attended the Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from John Hay High School. She was a precious gift; a joy to know. Eleanor accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and became a member of Damascus Missionary Baptist Church where she was active in many capacities. She was the president and director of the Senior Choir for over 40 years and the church clerk for over 30 years. Eleanor was in charge of Christian Education for over 30 years and taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. For the past 10 years she had been the church announcer. She attended the annual National Baptist Congress of Christian Education for many years. Eleanor loved to sing and was a member of the Cleveland Interfaith Choir under the direction of the late Barbara Gully Collier. Ellie retired from the Osborn International in August 2008 after 46 years of service. She had worked in various clerical, sales, receptionist and administrative assistants positions. She retired from an accounting position where she processed payroll. Ellie loved to bowl and was a member for over 40 years of the Lamplighter's League where she also served as the Secretary. A compassionate and loving daughter, Eleanor took care of her grandmother and her mother before they died. She has also cared for her father for 10 years in the family's efforts to keep him out of a nursing home.

ELEANOR'S PARENTS: Jefferson D. TUFTS Sr was born in 1920 in Cleveland. Ruby L (CROSBY) TUFTS born Oct 22, 1920 in Little Rock, Arkansas, died Oct 23, 1998 in Warrensville Heights, age 77.

ELEANOR'S SIBLINGS:
* Jefferson D. Tufts Jr. of Cleveland
* Lamont F. Tufts Sr. of Baltimore, MD
* Darrell W. Tufts (Vickie) of Atlanta, GA

ELEANOR'S FUNERAL was Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 5300 Scovill Ave.

Sources: Eleanor Alice Tufts' obituary, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Jan 1, 2009.