Mrs Helen Virginia Ellis

Woodleaf: On February 24, 2021, Helen Virginia Harper Ellis exchanged her earthly address for her heavenly home. Helen, affectionately called "MawMaw" and "Mama Jim", transitioned peacefully at Novant Rowan Medical Center after a short illness. Helen was born August 26, 1935, to the late Willie Harper and Hester Alexander Harper in Rowan County. She attended R.A. Clement High School, Cleveland, NC. She married James Edward Ellis, Sr. (Pete) March 12, 1955, and to this union 8 children were born. Helen became a member of Cedar Grove AME Zion Church in 1948 under the pastorate of Rev. George W. Griffin. She served as Church Secretary for 35 years, Deaconess Board President, Assistant Church Treasurer, Life Member Chairperson, Women of Grace Ministry, Gospel Choir Secretary for 30 years, Stewardess Board, Kitchen Committee, and was a devoted Sunday School, Intercessory Prayer, and Bible Study attendee. Helen was MawMaw to many, as she provided childcare for her grandchildren and other children in the community for over 50 years. MawMaw spent most days sitting at the kitchen table; cooking and baking for her family was one way she expressed her love. Her most loved dishes included, chicken and noodles, pound cake with pink swirl, strawberry pie, sweet potato pie, and stickies. She is preceded in death by sons James E. Ellis, Jr., and Terry A. Ellis; daughter, H. Dolores Williamson; grandson, Rico Ellis; and son-in-law, Vaughn Williams; siblings, Doris Cuthbertson, Betty Thompson, Robert Harper, Jerry Sherrill, Sr. and Bobby Sherrill. Left to cherish her memory, husband of 65 years James Ellis, Sr. of the home; children: Patricia E. Williams and Margaret Ellis of Salisbury, NC, Jackie E. Belton (Elijah) of Woodleaf, NC, Barbara E. Fortson (Eddie) of Cleveland, NC, Gregory Ellis of the home; daughter-in-law, Mary Ellis of Salisbury, NC; son-in-law, Jeffery Williamson of Woodleaf, NC; siblings: Carl Harper of China Grove, NC, Carrie Sherrill and Levonia Davis of Salisbury, NC, David Sherrill of Garysburg, NC; 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. Visitation, Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at 3-6pm and service, Thursday, March 4, 2021,at 2pm, both at Cedar Grove AME Zion Church, Cleveland, North Carolina. Interment at church cemetery. Boone-Carroll Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent to boone-carrollfh.com Previous Events Visitation MAR 3. 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (ET) Cedar Grove AME Zion Church 2430 Hildebrand Road Cleveland, NC 27013 Service MAR 4. 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (ET) Cedar Grove AME Zion Church 2430 Hildebrand Road Cleveland, NC 27013 Interment MAR 4. 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM (ET) Cedar Grove AME Zion Church 2430 Hildebrand Road Cleveland, NC 27013