A LIFE OF SERVICE AND LOVE FOR

Sis. LeeElla Shine

LeeElla Shine, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the age of 87.

On January 4, 1938, LeeElla was born to Walter and Henrietta Brantley in Memphis, Tennessee.  During her early years, the family moved to Dayton, Ohio, where they joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor H. L. Buckman. LeeElla graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in 1955 and furthered her education at Sinclair Community College.

LeeElla met and married the love of her life, Rev. Odis Shine, and to this union they had six beautiful children. She was a faithful member of Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church for over 67 years. She was deeply involved in her church, serving as Pastor’s Wife, Choir Member, Youth Advisor, member of the Missionary Society, and Kitchen Committee.  LeeElla embodied the spirit of community service, her commitment extended both civically and socially where she was the voting precinct captain for her area for many years.  She retired after 30 years as a Food Service Manager with Dayton Public Schools and she was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Stars, Bethlehem Chapter #4 (Scottish Rites) were she served as the secretary and treasurer of the chapter.

LeeElla was known for her love of sports and was an avid supporter of teams the University of Dayton Flyers, The Ohio State Buckeyes, New York Knicks, Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Las Vegas Aces. A memorable moment in her life was meeting Anthony Grant, head coach of the U.D. Flyers, and attending her first WNBA game to see and meet Aja Wilson from the Las Vegas Aces on her 85th birthday.

Her presence was a cornerstone in her neighborhood, where she was affectionately regarded as a guiding figure for children. She was the village that many children loved, providing guidance and a firm hand when needed. Her ability to connect with the younger generation extended to her own family, as she was a frequent attendee at her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting and other events.

Preceded in death by her parents Walter and Henrietta Brantley, her husband Pastor Odis Shine, daughter Teri Fleming, granddaughter Anya Cooper, brothers Walter Brantley Jr., Sylvester Brantley and Robert Brantley, sisters Lola Johnson and Lucy Sanders, special sister Annie Lander, son-in-law Lessley Donaldson.

LeeElla is survived by her children: Joyce E. Donaldson, Retired Major Walter K. Shine USA, Tonya R. Shine, Dr. Pamela R. Shine, and Jacquelyn M. Shine. She leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Rev. Bobie Hampton of Houston, Texas, special friend Flossie Gravely and nieces: Lynette Wright, Yolanda Mallory, Crystal Brantley, Ananda Harris, the Lander family and several other nieces and nephews. Her enduring legacy lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched in her community.  Her spirit and contributions will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.