Sue E Ellis

Sue Espey Ellis passed away peacefully at home in the loving arms of her boyfriend on July 9, 2024, after battling a rare form of cancer. Born on March 4, 1966, in Dunedin, FL, she was a proud Florida native. Raised in Clearwater, she attended Plumb Elementary, Oak Grove Middle, and Clearwater High School, graduating in 1984. Sue went on to continue her education at Florida State University, graduating with a BS in Mass Communication and Advertising in 1988. She worked in advertising and marketing before moving into sales at Tech Data (1993-2005), where she met many lifelong friends, including former husband, Mark. Sue and Mark were married in 2003 and in 2005 they welcomed their pride and joy, son Johnathan, to the family. While on maternity leave, Sue decided to make a life change and began her very successful real estate career that same year. She loved serving her clients and friends in this capacity. She enjoyed working with a wide variety of people and focused on meeting their needs, whether they were a first time buyer or were searching for a fantastic luxury home. It was the clients who mattered most to Sue, not the size of their budget. She dreamed of retiring as a rental agent, using her rental properties for income. Sue was a lifelong member of Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder and on multiple committees. While serving her Peace community, she became involved in working with the homeless population in downtown Clearwater and soon became the head of the cold weather shelter when it was housed at Peace Memorial. There she started a very successful clothing closet for those in need and encouraged donations, especially winter clothes. Sue was a member of her Zeta Tau Alpha sorority alumni group, the Junior League of Clearwater, numerous real estate organizations, and past president of her neighborhood association. She loved being involved with her community. When Sue was diagnosed with BCOR Sarcoma in 2021, she immediately began the fight of her life. She never shied away from a challenge and took this one on with tremendous vigor, sharing her journey along the way with the optimism she was known for. As soon as her strenuous treatment regimen allowed for a break, she embarked on the trip of her dreams. She purchased a travel van, traveling up the East Coast to Nova Scotia, making multiple stops visiting with friends and family along the way. She returned home after 6 weeks and continued treatments and working with her beloved clients until her very last day. Sue is survived by her son, Johnathan, who will remain in Clearwater and continue his training to become a pilot, her mother, Martha Espey, sister, Joy Miller (Tom, Kate, Keri), and the love of her life, Brian Leahy. Sue will be remembered as a fun-loving spirit who adored live music, trivia nights, bonfires, craft beer, being outdoors, kayaking, traveling, and sports. She was a loyal friend and family member and lived life to its fullest. A deep hole is left in the hearts of all who loved her. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, July 27, 11:00 am at Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, 110 S. Fort Harrison Ave. We kindly ask that any donations you may wish to make be made to your favorite homeless charity or to Peace Memorial on behalf of Sue.