Jane M. Ellis

Jane M. Ellis died on Monday morning, the 11th of November 2013 surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Jane will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Born the 17th of November 1929, Jane was the eldest daughter of Leslie James Ming and Nellie Opal Womack. She and her sister, Gloria, grew up in Beaumont, Texas where Jane attended South Park High School and Lamar Junior College. For six years, Jane was a proud member of the celebrated Melody Maids under the direction of Eloise Milam. This experience would prove to be life-changing for Jane, as it allowed her to develop her voice and was the foundation upon which she would build her reputation as a truly kind, thoughtful, gracious, selfless woman who always sought to bring happiness and cheer to the lives of others.

After graduating from Lamar Junior College in 1948, Jane was awarded a full choir scholarship to Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana. It was there that she met her beloved husband, Thomas M. Ellis, Jr., while the two were singing in the choir. Jane and Tom enjoyed a loving courtship at Centenary, a highlight of which was being selected as the college’s very own “Lady and Gentleman.” They were wed on the 23rd of March the same year that Jane graduated from Centenary with a BA in Education.

Jane’s proudest accomplishment was raising her four wonderful daughters to whom she passed on the love of singing that she and her husband shared. Growing up, all four children sang in the choir under their mother’s direction at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. Whether singing around the piano at home, harmonizing in the car on long trips, or being awakened on Sunday mornings by their father singing enthusiastically to the soundtrack of Brigadoon, the Ellis girls enjoyed many happy, impromptu sing-alongs with their parents. Following their mother’s example, their lives revolved not only around music but also around church. By watching their mother, they learned the importance of prayer, kindness, and service to others.

Jane truly had a servant’s heart and lived her life in humble devotion to her family and her community. In addition to being a full-time wife and mother, Jane also taught third grade and junior high school for several years. After her daughters graduated from high school, she began playing tennis, a hobby that she enjoyed for the next 20 years. Jane also loved traveling with Tom, and the two were blessed with many memorable adventures. Whether going on cruises or hunting big game in Africa, Canada, and Alaska, Jane and Tom found great joy in seeing the world together.

Over the course of their 62-year marriage, Jane and Tom lived in River Ridge, Louisiana; Walnut Creek, California; and Plano, Texas before moving to Katy, Texas. Here, they became members of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church where they were blessed with many dear friends. Through her involvement with the Heritage Sunday School, the Funeral Committee, the Soup Team, and the Disciple Bible Study, Jane became known as a sweet, caring woman whose smile would light up a room. For the past twelve years, Jane and Tom have been enthusiastic members of the Care Team at St. Peter’s. Only a few weeks ago, Jane was hard at work searching for the perfect cards she could send to those in need of comfort and encouragement. Even in her time of need, Jane's focus was on caring for others.

Known for her potato chip cookies and her chocolate pies, Jane was an exceptional cook who loved nourishing people in every way. Her friends knew her as a warm, optimistic, gracious, and generous person who could not help but lighten the hearts of others with her quick sense of humor. Jane will always be remembered as a nurturing and caring woman whose legacy of kindness touched the lives of all who crossed her path.

Jane is survived by treasured loved ones: her husband Tom Ellis; her daughter Jan Duncan; her daughter Susan Bonora and husband Pete; her daughter Kathy Cook and husband Carlton; her daughter Peggy Blanton and husband Joel; her grandchildren Scott Duncan, Reid Bonora, Avery Bonora, Chris Blanton, and Connor Cook; and many family members and friends.

There were many individuals who offered tireless support for Jane and her family, especially over the past few months. Jane’s family wishes to thank her physicians, Dr. Sheena Stubbers and Dr. Daniela Moran, for their steadfast care and counsel. They also wish to thank Jane’s loving caregivers: Raquel Valdez, Lita Quijada, Mitzy Vazquez, Lupita Liceaga, Cherry Fuller, Alma Torres, and Elvira Delgado.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from four o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Friday, the 15th of November, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A memorial service is to be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 16th of November, in the Sanctuary of St. Peters United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Boulevard in Katy, where Dr. Pat Sparks, Lead Pastor, and Rev. Kim Meyers, Pastor of Care Ministries, are to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the nearby Lott Hall.

Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

For those desiring, and in lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Jane’s memory may be directed to the Music Ministry or the Care Team at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX, 77450; or the charity of one’s choice.