Ethel Wright Ellis

“A woman of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Proverb 31:10

Ethel Wright Ellis was born to Creagh J. Wright and Catherine Hodges on November 22, 1934, in Selma, Alabama. Ethel went home to be with the Lord on January 30, 2023.

 Ethel was a caring, supportive wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. As a lifelong member of the A.M.E. Church, she continued the tradition as an active member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, in Daytona Beach, Florida, after being a prior long-time member of Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in Highlands County. Additionally, Ethel served in many organizations throughout her life. Ethel was acknowledged recently as a Pearl Soror of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority- Delta Theta Omega Chapter, Inc. She was an avid member of Habitat for Humanity, for which she gained recognition for her volunteer work. As a member of the Sophisticated Seniors, she provided meals and advocated for the elderly in their S.H.A.R.E. program and made many self-initiated mentoring contributions to her community both in Daytona Beach and Sebring, Florida.

Ethel graduated from Selma University in 1951 with a degree in education. She taught at Lincoln Park Elementary from 1956-59.in Thomaston, Georgia. Ethel then made her way to Mobile, Alabama, leaving an indelible impression on the community. For the following ten years, she taught at Williamson High School. While living with her cousin, Frances Wilson, Ethel joined Hope Chapel A.M.E. Church. There she met Reverend O.F & Essie Owen and their children. Ethel and their oldest son, Bill Owen, were both Educators and formed a lasting friendship spanning over 50 years.

During her time in Alabama, she met and began dating the love of her life Walter Ellis, a fellow teacher, and Military Veteran. Walter and Ethel were married on June 18, 1971. After getting married, she moved to Sebring, Florida, with Walter teaching English for many years and later transitioning to be the Guidance Counselor at Lake Placid High School. Ethel impacted the lives of many students during her time in education presently and beyond. During her more than 30 yr. tenure at Lake Placid High School, Ethel and fellow teachers Bernice Saffold and Gracie Hill would make that arduous trek every morning to work.

To know her was to love her, and her love was unconditional. She enjoyed anything friendly, whether going to Garage Sales on a Saturday with Bobbie Graham, getting ice cream with Gwendolyn Johnson, visiting the elderly, or especially, Especially speaking on the phone.

Ethel and her late husband of forty years assisted many young adults who desired to attend college or trade schools by providing a safe haven, meals, and monetary assistance, which removed financial barriers setting them up for college success. She loved giving to others unselfishly while shying away from recognition of any kind.

Ethel is survived by her only child, Dr. Walter Ellis, a loving and supportive daughter-in-law, Dr. Nicole Jones-Ellis. Two loving grandchildren, Donovan, and Alexis Ellis. Nephew Kelvin Juniaus, bonus son Aaron Pickle, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be missed by many dear friends, church members, colleagues, and former students.

Relatives and friends of the family, Pastors, Officers and Members of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church and all surrounding churches are invited to attend the Funeral Service at 2:00PM on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at  Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, 580 George W. Engram Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114.  Interment Greenwood Cemetery, 320 White Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32114.  There will be a public visitation on Friday, February 10, 2023 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at R.J. Gainous Funeral Home, 804 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114.  Professional Services Entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, Inc. 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA  70068 and R.J. Gainous Funeral Home, Inc. 804 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114