Elaine Leaphart Effort

Elaine Effort was born on July 21, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Evelyn and Vurnol Leaphart, a Tuskegee Airman veteran. She unexpectedly departed this life on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Elaine graduated from the University of Michigan, earning a BA in political science and  MA in journalism.

For 38 years she served as a reporter for the Pittsburgh news radio station KQV 1410. She co-founded the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation and was awarded the Golden Quill for expert storytelling and accountability work. One of Elaine’s proudest traditions is her family’s four-generation involvement in Girl Scouts where she served as a troop leader for almost 40 years.

Elaine’s faith was important to her; for years she was a member and leader of Holy Cross Episcopal Church and then at Calvary Episcopal Church.

Loving memories of Elaine will be cherished by her husband of 47 years, Dr. Edmund Effort; son Edmundson of Greensboro, NC and daughter April (and Hansy) Eugene of Milton, MA; granddaughters Hannah and Haniya Eugene; and sister Erma Leaphart of Detroit, MI.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Elaine Effort can be made to Pittsburgh Black Media Federation, Urban Journalism Workshop by contacting info@pbmf.org.

The family will receive friends Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 2-6 pm at Calvary Episcopal Church 315 Shady Avenue PGH PA 15206, and services on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 11 am. Interment will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville PA. Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to Robert A. Waters Funeral Home, Inc. 449 Mitchell Ave Clairton PA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elaine Leaphart Effort, please visit our floral store.