Etta Jane Ellis went to join her beloved husband, Bill, as the Lord called her home to heaven, Monday, May 3, 2016.
Funeral services are 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2016, at Hallmark Baptist Church, in Fort Worth. Burial followed in Caddo Cemetery, in Joshua. Visitation is 1 hour prior to the service.
Etta Jane Stephenson Ellis was born Jan. 17, 1929, in Abilene, to Aubrey and Myrt Stephenson. As an only child, she spent all of her younger years in Abilene attending University Baptist Church, where she was saved. She was a graduate of Abilene High. Within three years, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hardin Simmons University, where her father was a professor and assistant dean. Following in her parent's footsteps, she began a thirty-one year teaching career that took her all across Texas, from Port Arthur to Post to Pecos and other points in between. She finished her teaching career in Joshua, impacting the lives of the thousands of students she taught.
After her father died, and to be close to her mother, she returned to Abilene. That is where she met the love of her life and darling husband, Bill Ellis. They were married July 5, 1962, and spent the next 48 years together until his death in 2010. Moving from Abilene to Fort Worth, Dallas, Joshua and, ultimately, Burleson, they raised two boys, Larry and David.
Jane loved her family and friends. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and being able to see them as often as she could. A fierce competitor, she loved games, especially bridge, which she played until the week before her death. She loved baking and cooking. Jane and Bill enjoyed antiques and took many antiquing trips across the country.
Jane was involved in several groups and affiliations. As a teacher, she was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. She was part of the Thursday Study Club, in Joshua; a member of several bridge clubs; and had great fun as part of the Super Seniors at Hallmark Baptist Church.
Above all, Jane was a prayer warrior, always reminding her family of the power of prayer.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and many friends and other family members.
Survivors include her sons, Larry Ellis, his wife, Kelly, and their three sons, Tyler, Joshua and Hunter; and David Ellis, his wife, Amy, and their three sons, Chandler, Zachary and Kendall.
Mayfield Kiser
12301 South Freeway
Fort Worth, TX 76028
817-568-8836