Obituary of Elinor Ruth Eastman

Elinor Ruth (Burnley) Eastman, 74, of Colorado Springs, Colorado passed away April 5, 2021 in her home in Colorado Springs. She was born on October 2, 1946 to Wallace Burnley and Corabelle Burnley in Borger, Texas. Elinor went to high school at Borger High School and graduated in 1965. She went on to earn a degree in Human Resources from Jarvis Christian College in 1970. Elinor was also a long-term resident of Saginaw, Michigan before moving to her final home, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Elinor was employed by the Mitten Bay Girl Scout Council as Field Director in Saginaw and active in the community as associated with her responsibilities.Elinor contributed to the Saginaw community in many ways while employed with the Girl Scout Council, including establishing Brownie and Girls Scout troops in the Black neighborhoods of Saginaw. She enlarged the pool of African Americans as Girl Scout Troop leaders significantly. She forged a vital partnership for Girl Scouts with the 4H Program of Michigan State University Extension and the Shiawassee Wildlife Reserve in Saginaw County.Elinor is remembered also as a member of the graduate chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, incorporated in Saginaw.�There she also distinguished herself as a dedicated member and in her community service. The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority graduate chapter recognized her for her sorority contributions and community service by awarding her its highest recognition as "Zeta of the Year" at the annual Finer Womanhood Awards Program in April 1979.Her church home in Saginaw was the 17th Street Church of Christ. There she was an active member, loved God and was always willing to share her faith and talents with her fellow parishioners. She also welcomed her sorority chapter members to worship with her as part of their Finer Womanhood Month of activities, emphasizing the Sorority's theme scripture, Proverbs 31:10-31.Elinor relocated to Colorado Springs with her military spouse, Curtis Eastman, who had been reassigned to the duty station there.�Elinor quickly became a part of the community and continued to aid and assist those in need, and contribute to the betterment of families along with solidifying a family of her own, in spirit and in blood. Elinor placed her membership to Lakeside Church of Christ in 1981. Along with this, Elinor worked in a number of places from Planned Parenthood to Urban League before being forced to retire due to disability.Elinor is preceded in death by her father, Wallace Burnley; mother, Corabelle Burnley; and her brother, James Meekins. She is survived by her sister, Bettye Manzay; brother, Michael Burnley; two daughters, Amber Johnson and Crystal Eastman; nieces and nephews, Jeff, Daphne, Jennifer, Jeremy, Kawame, Michelle, Tyesha and Mike Mike; and three grandchildren, Christopher, Jasmine and Dominick.Personal Notes:Elinor was a culinary wiz in the kitchen. She loved to bake, prepare delicious desserts, casseroles and meat dishes. She regularly prepared these for sorority and church functions. Her recipes are treasured items and will help those who loved her to remember her with fondness.Elinor was an impeccable dresser always. Whenever you saw her, she had "drip" from head to toe. She also loved to shop and always knew how to get the best for her money along with her sister, Bettye. Elinor is remembered with her trademark giggle. Whenever Elinor was present, there was always tons of giggles. She just brightened your day!Elinor was a true friend and confidant; loved her family unconditionally and kept relationships alive over the miles. She also continued to be selfless and place the needs and concerns of others above herself. She took the time to learn as much as she could about others and find relatability and commonality. She was a protector and teacher. She was a foundation for the family and has spread roots that will continue to branch generations. Her unparalleled love and devotion will go unmatched.A private Visitation and Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 16, 2021.Interment, Pikes Peak National Cemetery. Events Final Resting Place Pikes Peak National Cemetery 10545 Drennan Road Colorado Springs, CO 80925