Bessie Jane Ellis' Obituary
It is with great tenderness and reverence that the family of Bessie “Jane” Ellis, announce that she passed peacefully from this physical realm back to pure Spirit on January 10, 2024. Jane was surrounded by love at home in Colonial Heights, VA cared for by her daughter, Linda Ellis RN and emotionally supported by her son Rafe and grandson Christopher. Her love, sense of humor and playful sass was present until her last words.
Bessie Jane McGaha was born July 27, 1935 to the late Stanley F. and Janie L. (Jones) McGaha in Leesburg, Virginia. She was a graduate of the first class of Loudoun County High School in 1955 and a career food service professional for ARA Food Corporation at Xerox International Center for Training & Management Development in Leesburg, VA.
Jane was a devout christian, a member of the Church of the Nazarene in the Leesburg, VA and Winchester, VA congregations where she was active in the church’s senior program. In her 30s, she learned cake decorating. Her talent was noted not just for her decorating, her cakes were most delicious and she developed a side business. She joyfully shared her creativity making wedding cakes for family members.
In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her former husband, Robert Carroll Ellis, Jr.and her siblings: infant brother Hugh McGaha, Audrey L. Minor, Willard “Sonny” McGaha, Edward “Mac” McGaha and James “Frank” McGaha. Gone too soon was her grandson Justin Reid Ellis, son of Rafe.
Jane is survived by her three children: Robert Carroll Ellis, III (daughter-in-law Debra Spinks) of Merritt Island, FL; Reverend Rafe Astin Ellis (daughter-in-law Debra Ellis) of Millersville, MD; and Linda Jane Ellis of Colonial Heights, VA. In addition, she is survived by eleven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 19, 2024 at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Cir SE, Leesburg, VA 20175. Gathering and visitation begins at 10:00, Service at 11:00 and Interment followed at Union Cemetery, 323 North King Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176.
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