Dateline:
Stanley
,
NC
Judith Kates "Judy" Ellis
Mrs. Ellis, 77, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 15 at the Robin Johnson Hospice House in
Dallas, NC
. Born in
Burnsville
,
NC
,
May 28, 1934
, Judy attended
Micaville
High School
and attended
Lees
McRae
College
. She was a dedicated employee of the Salvation Army Headquarters faithfully serving 35 years of service.
Judy had a magnetic personality whose physical beauty was only rivaled by her inner beauty. Always quick to laugh and entertain, she made it a point to recognize everyone she encountered with dignity and grace. There was something quite special about her that drew complete strangers to her, whether at the supermarket, department store, drug store, etc., confessing problems or challenges they were having. Perhaps it was her trademark red lipstick perfectly applied, or her movie star sunglasses. She never forgot a birthday or special occasion no matter how big or small.
Judy is preceded in death by her father, Carl Kates and mother, Violet Kates of Burnsville, NC.
She is survived by her adoring husband of 59 ½ years, Philip Ellis, originally of Spruce Pine, NC, son, Kevin Ellis of Little Switzerland, daughters, Leigh Warren of Mount Holly and Kara Sheaffer of Charlotte, sisters, Sudie Jones of Charlotte and Mary Penland of Burnsville, brothers, Jerry Kates of Charlotte and Ronnie Kates of Burnsville, grandchildren, Ashley Ellis and Dylan Ellis of Little Switzerland, Katie Ellis of Spruce Pine, Emily Warren of Nashville, TN, Liam Sheaffer of Charlotte, and great-grandson, Hunter Jones of Spruce Pine, as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family whom she loved so dearly.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 19, 2011 at 3:00PM in the Pine Branch Baptist Church in Spruce Pine, NC. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Jason Kritz and Major David D. Jones will be officiating the service. Interment will follow in the
Pine
Branch
Cemetery
.
Memorials may be made to: Robin Johnson Hospice House,
5005 Shepards Way
,
Dallas
,
NC
,
28034
or to the Salvation Army,
501 Archdale Drive
,
Charlotte
,
NC
,
28217
.
Henline-Hughes is assisting the Ellis family.