JUANITA ELLIS

MAN, W.Va. — Juanita Ferguson Ellis, 93, departed this life on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at Logan Regional Medical Center after a long illness.

She was born on March 26, 1923, in Wayne, a daughter of the late Katie Ratliff Lloyd and step-daughter of the late Levi Lloyd.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Elmer Lloyd and Glen Lloyd.

First and foremost, Juanita was a Christian and it showed in every area of her life. A founding member of Man Church of the Nazarene, she served in many capacities including counting the offering, faithful membership in the Ladies Aide, Missionary president, and taught Sunday School for over 30 years. Juanita was known for her wisdom and her favorite quote, "The Lord always gives me His best."

She got a late start, but became an accomplished career woman after earning her G.E.D. at nearly 30 years old. She began teaching school and decided to pursue a college education from Marshall University. Teaching school daily, Juanita took evening classes at Marshall several nights per week, on Saturdays, and throughout the summer. Ultimately, she earned a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree plus 30 hours. This led to her advancement to school administration. Juanita served as Principal at Christian Grade, Buffalo Grade, and South Man Grade Schools. She touched many lives throughout her career and retired in 1990.

Juanita and her husband, Buddy, founded Ellis Clothing in the 1950's. Originally, it was a small store in Man that sold clothing, house wares, and general supplies. In 1972, the decision was made to focus on hardware and building supplies. They bought property in Crown and erected a new store. Ellis Supply prospered and continues to serve our area today.

Juanita was a devoted wife and mother to Buddy and her sons, Gary and Jonathan. She was an excellent cook, known for her delicious red velvet cake, fried chicken, and chicken and dumplings. Weekly Sunday dinners at her house could rival any holiday meal. She enjoyed getting her family together and believed that Sunday dinner was an occasion worthy of fine china and crystal glasses. She was elegant in every area of her life, including the way she dressed, even the way she walked. Juanita was adventurous and enjoyed traveling, as well as shopping.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 69 years, Buddy, whom she married on February 15, 1947; her sons, Gary (Olga) Ellis and Jonathan (Kim) Ellis of South Man; Kay (Bob) Seakelly who was like a daughter of Teays Valley; grandchildren, Andrea (Matt) Kidd of St. John, USVI, Angela (Scott) Coburn of Lavalette, Matt (Stacie) Ellis of Amherstdale, Melissa (John) White of Combs Addition, Rebecca (Chad) Bevins of Apex, NC, Justin (Brittany) Daniels of Tampa, FL, and Stuart (Catherine) Daniels of South Man; 14 great-grandchildren; and her dog, Teddy. She will be greatly missed by her loving caretakers, Mary Bias and Kim Vance, as well as her church family and many friends.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at Logan Regional Medical Center, Dr. Cathy Harvey, Mona, and the 5th floor nursing staff.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, November 3, 2016, at the Man Church of the Nazarene at Man with Rev. James B. Kittle and Rev. Michael Pollard officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Godby.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the church and one hour prior to services at the church also.

Pall bearers will be John White III, John Twardy, Stuart Daniels, Bob Seakelly, Scott Coburn, and Matt Ellis.

Honorary pall bearers will be Bill Weese, Garnet Marsh, Don Nester, Charles Erwin, Mike Vitruls, and Tommy Crosby.

Online condolences may be sent to www.krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man.