Janet Lynne Ellis' Obituary
Janet Lynne Ellis, 70, died at the height of the pandemic, and from the unyielding 2020 COVID-19 SARS virus on July 16, 2020.
Janet was born on September 18, 1949 in Memphis, TN to Samuel Sherrill Ellis and Carrie Barnes Ellis. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother, William (Billy) Barnes Ellis, loving grandparents William E. Barnes, Jr., and Loise Brown Barnes, cousin, Julia Sanders Hester, Aunt, Lucretia Barnes Sanders and adored friends, Judy Clifton Nolen and Grace Lee Gordon.
She was survived by her mother, who recently passed away suddenly, when she fell while out walking with friends. At her mother’s request, the lives of Janet and Carrie will be memorialized and interred together.
Janet is survived by her brother Thomas (Tom) Ellis, sisters Cynthia (Cindy) Ellis Dunn (Bill), Susan Ellis Clifton (Duane), niece Elizabeth (Danielle) Clifton Eisenman (Nate), nephews, Ellis Alan White (Courtney), Duane Browning Clifton and her great nieces and nephews; Isobelle, Elana, Garrett, and Nathan.
Janet attended Colonial and Avon Elementary School and graduated from White Station High School. After taking some business courses, she began her career in the automobile business, working for Dorothy Vawter, treasurer and controller of Bluff City Buick.
Janet was, as her family describes her, “one tough cookie” who made us laugh, cry, run, and later, come to understand and admire her resilience, despite her life challenges and disabilities. Her child-like spirit, selflessness, and sometimes amusing antics left an indelible mark on all who knew her and her family. Janet kept busy crocheting, crafting, caring for her cats, herself, and always being a supportive anchor for her Mom. Janet loved the LORD, but above all, she loved her mother. She left this world with two nurses by her side, in the midst of one of the most trying, frightening times in recent history, a pandemic. Because of God’s timing, she will forever be remembered. She is greatly missed! Janet was a lifelong Christian, confirmed in her faith at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral and then, a member of the Church of the Holy Communion.
A dual memorial service and reception celebrating the lives of Carrie and her daughter Janet, will be held on Monday, June 28, 2021 at 2:30 pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home.
A family only graveside service will be held prior to the memorial service. Memorial Park has charge.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations be made The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the charity of your choice.
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