Mr. Azriah Ellerbe, 91, Rockingham, NC, passed on Sunday, October 12, 2025.  Funeral service will be held at 1pm on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Mt. Pisgah AME Zion Church, 1015 Leak Street, Rockingham, NC  28379. Visitation from 12noon until 1pm prior to the service.

Public Viewing, Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 12 until 5pm at Nelson Funeral Home 1021 E. Washington Street, Rockingham, NC  28379

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.nelsonfuneralservice.com.   Nelson Funeral Service is serving the family. 

                            Obituary

Mr. Azriah Ellerbe III, 91 beloved son of the late Azriah Ellerbe II and Marie Ellerbe, was born on January 28, 1934, in Rockingham, North Carolina. He peacefully transitioned from this life on October 12, 2025, at Levine and Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, North Carolina.

From a young age, Azriah was a devoted member of Mt. Pisgah AME Zion Church, where his faith and service were unwavering.  He began his education at Leak Street School, where he discovered a passion for basketball. After graduating, he pursued higher education at Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, earning a degree in Elementary Education in 1958. Azriah served on the Board of Directors at Richmond Memorial Hospital, currently Richmond County First Health and Board of Directors for United Carolina, later renamed as BB&T.  He was the owner and operator of Ellerbe & Associates, and AE Homes, Inc.  He was always known as a hardworking businessman, helpful to others, and always sharing words of wisdom.

Azriah proudly began his teaching career at Ashley Chapel School in Rockingham, NC, later continuing at Wadesboro Middle School. His dedication to education and athletics led him to Samarkand Training School, where he served as a Physical Education teacher and coached both football and basketball. His commitment spanned an impressive 50 years, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students.

He is survived by his children: Azriah Ellerbe IV of Fayetteville, NC; Terri Ellerbe-Graves of Huntersville, NC; Joseph (Kim) Ellerbe of Matthews, NC; and Jonathan Keith (Sabrina) Ellerbe of Rockingham, NC. He also leaves behind his cherished godson, Rev. DK Ferguson (Kronski) of Charlotte, NC.

Azriah’s legacy lives on through his grandchildren—Adrian J. (Sarah) Ellerbe, Atashiana L. Ellerbe, Kaitlyn M. Ellerbe, Joshua E. Ellerbe, Justus I. Ellerbe, Rahqail Kriven, Corbin Ellerbe, and DK Ferguson, Jr.—and his treasured great-granddaughter, Iana F. Ellerbe.