Erica Lynette Wellington (Lady Day) closed her eyes in restful peaceful sleep on November 23, 2022.  Erica was born on August 4, 1969, in London, England.  She was preceded in death by her loving dad (YLD) Colonel Leonard E. (Duke) Wellington, Jr., as well as her beloved paternal grandparents, Leonard E. Wellington Sr. and Bertha Wellington and her maternal grandma (Nana) Mrs. Laura Downs.  Also waiting for her to get her wings were her maternal grandpa professor (TJ) Thomas J. Downs, her birthday mate and uncle Robert Downs, uncle Jason Whitaker (Mary), uncle Horace Whitaker (Ruth), uncle Gene Downs (Alice), aunt Annie Gillespie (Arthur), aunt Erma Elliot (Frank), aunt Berbenia Pitts (Melvin) and her paternal aunt Elserene Wooten (Hollis). Doggie heaven also houses her Mister dog, her Eppie dog and her son dog DUSTY.

Erica was a loving devoted daughter, sister, aunt and cousin.  She loved learning especially reading.  Her vocabulary was exhaustive and second to none.  Because her father was military and the family moved around, she was schooled in two states, Virginia and Texas and in two countries England and Japan.  However, for the last 40 years of her life, Houston, TX was her home.  She spent her middle school and high school years in Cypress, Texas and was a graduate of Cyfair High School. After graduation Erica worked tirelessly to pursue traditional paths for education and employment.   She continued her studies at Houston Community College and Court Reporting Institute.   Try as she might, barriers would preclude her from completing her goals.  Erica was unmatched in her uniqueness and individuality.  Due to a neurological condition, she rarely socialized outside of her family settings. Even at home she preferred to be alone with her beloved DUSTY.  In her words she always said, "I'm no social butterfly".  Her favorite pastime was reading and watching every Houston sports team.  Her all-time favorite team was the Houston Astros.  Never wanting to attend in person, she preferred to watch or listen to the games at home.  However, she did venture out to attend one Astros game for her birthday compliments of her brother and sister in love.  Another such adventure occurred on her 50 ^th birthday, when she went to see the Lion King with her Mumsie.  She enjoyed the Lion King and felt a connection as she and her mother (Mumsie) are both Leo lionesses, born in August.

Erica and "Mumsie" were the closest of friends.  They took care of each other and did everything together.   This included bonding time reading bible passages and the newspaper. "Mumsie" could depend on Erica to take care of household needs. During the pandemic, when they were both "joyfully unemployed", their relationship grew to be stronger than ever.  They broadened their understanding of and relationship with each other in their home, by using the Four C's :  commit to each other; communicate with each other (directly with positivity); cooperate with each other; and compromising with each other without drama.

In her world, Erica knew no anger for herself.  She could best be described as hopeful, joyful, smart, witty, and content.  She was a woman of few words but when she spoke you could count on a succinct, sufficient, witty phrase or response.  Her joy and wit were among her many gifts.  Family gatherings and reunions with the Downs-Whitaker family, Dillard family and Salazar family were near and dear to heart.  She looked forward to this fellowship.

Erica is survived by her mother, Paulette Downs Wellington, brothers Leonard E. Wellington, III, and Dr. Eric Lloyd Wellington (Rose), and nephews Mason McGahan (Morgan), and Matthew McGahan (Bridget) and her grandniece and nephews Shepherd and Naomi.  She is also survived by her aunt Frankie Downs Dillard, and two uncles Dr. Sidney Downs (Marlene) and Wendell Downs (Gloria) as well as a host of cousins, friends, and surrogate family members around the world.

"I was kind, I was smart, and I was important"

Erica "Lady Day" Wellington