Geraldine Ellis

***Obituary***

GERALDINE EDNEY ELLIS departed this earthly realm in the twilight hour on Sunday, July 1, 2018 at Sentara Rehabilitation Center in Virginia Beach, VA. GERALDINE was the fifth child of six children born to the late Lucullus and Mary Jane Fuller Edney Ellis on April 18, 1938 in Virginia Beach, VA.

Geraldine received her formative education in the Virginia Beach school system, graduating from the Princess Anne Training School.

At any early age Geraldine gave her life to Christ. She later worshipped at Cathedral of Faith Church in Virginia Beach, VA. A disciplined woman of great faith, she gained strength through daily prayer and maintained a spiritual connection to her Lord.

Geraldine married her high school sweetheart James Stanley, Sr. in 1956. Born of this union where three children, James Stanley, Jr., Roderick Ellis and Shirlene Ellis. The proud parents instilled a love for God and always encouraged them to be the best in whatever they chose to pursue.

A loving, devoted Mom, Geraldine was a housewife doting on her children for a number of years before entering the workforce in retail sales, capitalizing on her natural love of people and service. In 1973, Geraldine relocated her children to New Carrollton, Maryland to pursue educational opportunities for them and employment opportunity for herself. She was a diligent worker at Zayre’s Department Store where she excelled. A true lover of people, it was said that Geraldine could engage anyone and had them smiling and uplifted after spending time in her presence.

A natural homemaker and great cook, her homes were meticulous and the aromas from the kitchen would make your taste buds quiver in anticipation of the first bite; especially for her homemade biscuits!

Geraldine possessed a quiet strength, evidenced by how she kept her younger children uplifted after the tragic death of her first-born son James. She, Roderick and Shirlene clung to each other tighter than ever.  After raising her children in Maryland, Geraldine longed to be closer to her family and returned with Shirlene to her hometown of Virginia Beach in 1986. Following her passion to serve, she continued working in retail, retiring from Montgomery Ward. Desiring to remain active in her community, Geraldine worked at Pointer View Elementary School for 5 years after retirement.

Geraldine was blessed with grandchildren who were the light of her world! She so enjoyed spending time with them, instilling the same love of God, education and encouraging words that she did with her children until her health challenges became all consuming.  She was the kind of person who would give her last to see that her children and grandchildren would have what they needed. After a 17-year courageous fight, God saw fit to call her home. She will truly be missed by all.

Geraldine leaves to cherish her memories: loving children, Roderick (Shannon) of Upper Marlboro, MD and Shirlene Ellis of Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren: Sean, Amari and Derek; the Families of Leon, Bernard, Louise, Lucullus and Roland Edney and the Families of David, Kenny Holland, Petro, Charlene, Deloris Ellis Families; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Predeceased by parents Lucullus and Mary Jane Fuller Edney Ellis; son James Stanley, Jr.; siblings Leon, Bernard, Louise, and Roland Ellis.

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