Virginia Earp Ellis

Goldsboro – Mrs. Virginia Earp Ellis, 99, died Wednesday at Sunbridge Care and Rehabilitation in Mount Olive.

A native of Wayne County, she was the daughter of the late James Edward Earp and Sophronia Price Earp. She was preceded in death by her husband John Brantley Ellis, Sr.; sons, Edward B. Ellis, Robert W. Ellis, Thomas B. Ellis, and Richard B. Ellis; daughter, Carolyn Munn; one grandson, a brother, and three sisters.

Mrs. Ellis was a 1922 graduate of Goldsboro High School and in 1958 was named on of the most useful living graduates of Goldsboro High School. She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where she served as secretary for the United Methodist Women, was treasurer and program director for the church. Mrs. Ellis was also a member of the Sixties Uppers and pianist for various church activities.

She served as a member of Walnut Street School PTA for twenty-four consecutive years, served as volunteer for Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and was a member of Goldsboro Woman’s Club. She volunteered with the Empty Stocking Fund and Christmas parties at O’Berry Center. She was pianist for Wayne County Young Adult Federation, active in Cub Scouts, Brownies, Boy and Girl Scouts. Her only paying job was as pianist for silent movies in downtown Goldsboro in the early 1920’s.

Funeral services will be held 11 A.M. Saturday at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Rev. Bob Bame and Rev. Dr. Homer Morris officiating. Burial will follow in Willow Dale Cemetery.

Mrs. Ellis is survived by her sons, John B Ellis, Jr. and wife, Frances of Roanoke, VA, William H. Ellis of Poulsbo, WA, Charles B. Ellis and wife, Betty of Goldsboro, James B. Ellis and wife, Margaret of Reno, NV, Jerry S. Ellis and wife, Mickey of Huntsville, AL, Larry G. Ellis of Rosewood and Stephen D. Ellis and wife, Gloria of Rocky Mount; her daughter, Dorothy J. Gower of Las Vegas, NV.; forty grandchildren, fifty-eight great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Brant, Eddie, Blair, Brian, Debbie, and Gary Ellis, Bobby Brock, Jr. and Carlena Gower.

The family request memorials be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 204 E. Chestnut Street, Goldsboro, N. C. 27530