Barbara Jean Ellis

In Memory of Barbara Jean Ellis (Hall)

Barb was a wonderful sister and aunt. She was a servant to all, which I believe to be the actual call of Christ upon anyone who would be His disciple....and she was His disciple. She ultimately died of kidney disease, but was looking forward to the next part of life's adventure, trusting in the person and promises of Jesus to “prepare a place” for her. She was my older sister, but our relationship was more than that....I had the honor of leading her to Christ over 40 years ago...and she “mothered” me for as long as I can remember. I am at peace with her passing, and look forward to our reunion in eternity.

I am, and remain, her “little bother” Steve

I feel like I finally have my thoughts together enough to put this out:

As some of you may or may not know, our dear Aunt Barbara passed away a couple weeks ago. She was a very kind loving funny child of God. She treated my sister and I like we were her own. Whenever I was dropped off for weeks or years at a time, she always made me feel loved. She made me clothes and toys by hand, took me out to fancy lunches where we sipped tea like royalty. She took me shopping for school clothes, taught me how to crochet and oil paint. I just can't say enough what it meant to have someone that treated me like I was more than just another mouth to feed. I miss her already but know that she had been looking forward to where she's going, for quite some time.

Carrie Maxon, beloved niece

Barbara Ellis was my aunt, she was also a mother figure, a teacher, a role model and my greatest friend. She taught me what it meant to love unconditionally. She was a nurturer, always made me feel loved, even when I was not so lovable. I was not born to her, but we shared a mother, daughter bond, my whole life. "Funny how God works", She once told me, "If I were able to have my own children, we may not have shared this special relationship we have". She was definitely a gift from God.

I am not sure who I'd be today, if I had not had my aunt in my life. One day my number will come up, and I will see her again, until then, she will live in my heart and be part of my soul. I will think of her and cherish our memories, for the rest of my life.

Kathy, beloved niece