Devoid Franklin Eller, born January 1, 1926, in Thomasville, North Carolina, departed this life June 3, 2017, on his own terms. The son of the late Nancy Ursula and Sells Eller, he was a man of independence and great humor, who gave those he loved affectionate nicknames.

Educated in the public schools of Thomasville, North Carolina, Devoid “Frank” Eller attended North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina. During World War II, he served his country in the United States Navy. Following his honorable discharge, he moved to New York via Baltimore, Maryland.

Devoid met Myrtle James, the love of his life, in 1953 in White Plains, New York. They were joined in marriage by Rev. Ralph W. Gullette on December 26, 1954. The couple became members of Mount Hope A.M.E. Zion Church in 1956. During their 63 years of marriage, Myrtle and Devoid lived a life filled with love and dedication to God, each other, their family, church, and community.

During his sixty years as a member of Mt. Hope, Devoid held numerous leadership positions. They included: Superintendent of the Sunday School, Chairperson and Trustee board member, and business manager under Reverends Gregory Robeson Smith and Odinga Lawrence Maddox. In 2006, he was recognized by Mount Hope for 50 Years of Service and received the Men’s Day Committee Distinguished Service Award in 1995 and 2000.

Devoid was employed by General Motors and County of Westchester. He retired as Manager of Facilities after 30 years of dedicated service with the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) of Southern Westchester.

Devoid leaves to mourn, Myrtle, his loving wife of 63 years; his daughter, Constance (Kenneth), of Trotwood, Ohio; his son, Eric (Rosemarie), of White Plains, New York; two grandsons Joshua and Zachary of White Plains, New York; brothers Edward of Peekskill, New York, and Terrell (Ila Joyce) of New Rochelle, New York; sisters Larue Starks and Carlotta Eller of Peekskill, New York, and a host of nieces and nephews in New York, Maryland, Illinois, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

He was predeceased by his brothers Charles and Pardue and his sisters, Edwina, Evelyn, Paige, Forest, and Geraldine.

The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the Eller family entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the Eller family during their time of bereavement.

Obituary for Devoid "Frank" Eller

Affiliations