Lenora Teaff

In Loving Memory of
Lenora Ruth (Manley) Teaff

Lenora Ruth (Manley) Teaff, 85, of Huntersville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on October 25, 2025.

Lenora was born on November 30, 1939, in Lubbock, Texas, to the late G.W. and Mary Ruth Manley. She was preceded in death by her four brothers: Joel, Leon, Marvin, and Wilton Manley.

Lenora grew up in the close-knit farming community of Abernathy, Texas, where she excelled both academically and athletically. She was a proud member of the 1958 Texas State Basketball Championship team, earning recognition on the All-State team and the Texas All-Stars. In high school, Lenora also served as student council treasurer, was crowned Harvest Princess, and was voted “Favorite Student” by her classmates.

On February 11, 1962, Lenora married the love of her life, Marshall Teaff, in Abernathy. Their 63-year marriage was filled with adventure, laughter, and devotion. Because of Marshall’s career in the airline industry (retired from US Air), the couple moved several times before settling in Brighton, Colorado, where they raised their two children, Don and Brenda. Lenora embraced life in Colorado—camping, snow and water skiing, and hiking in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She continued her athletic success there, becoming an accomplished bowler who won many trophies. Her artistic talent also flourished; her home is adorned with her original artwork.

In 1987, Lenora and her family moved from Colorado to Greensboro, North Carolina, and later to Huntersville in 1998, where she remained until her passing. Lenora loved flying with Marshall in their personal plane, exploring stunning destinations across the country. She quickly became a beloved part of the community—joining local bowling leagues, cheering passionately for Duke basketball and the Carolina Panthers, and making lifelong friends with her bowling teammates and at the Huntersville Family Fitness and Aquatic Center, where she and Marshall were regulars.

Lenora had a sharp and playful mind. She loved solving complex jigsaw puzzles and was famously competitive when it came to games of Rummy or 42—rarely accepting defeat.

A true adventurer at heart, Lenora loved to travel and explore the outdoors. She visited many beautiful places throughout the United States and abroad, including among many others, the Rocky and Blue Ridge Mountains, Alaska, the British Isles, Mexico, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.

Above all, family meant everything to Lenora. She kept in close touch with her loved ones across the country—from North Carolina and South Carolina to Georgia and Tennessee to Ohio, California and Texas. She was endlessly proud of her children and grandchildren: her son Don Teaff (Angela) of Greensboro, NC, who works for the FAA; her daughter Brenda Early (Buddy) of Travelers Rest, SC, who works for Catalyst Clinical Research; her grandson Josh Early, a proud member of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division; and her granddaughter Sydney Early, a senior at the University of Georgia.

Lenora is survived by her loving husband Marshall, her son Don, daughter-in-law Angela, her daughter Brenda, son-in-law Buddy, and her cherished grandchildren Josh and Sydney.

Family Visitation: Saturday, November 8, 2025, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home
16901 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Lenora’s memory to the Women’s Sports Foundation, honoring her lifelong passion for athletics and women’s sports:

https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/support-us/

Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.KepnerFH.com