It is with heavy hearts, yet with the assurance of eternal life in Christ, that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Mrs. Brenda Marie Ellis, on March 27, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.

Brenda was born in Chester, Pennsylvania and was raised by the late Patrick Gilman and Christine Hopkins Noud. She grew up in Norfolk, Virginia and spent much of her life in Suffolk, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 56 years, Ernest Michael Ellis Jr., with whom she shared a lifetime of love, devotion, and partnership.

A woman of unwavering faith, Brenda faced life's challenges with grace, strength, and perseverance, always finding comfort in prayer and the promises of God. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and grandmother, who raised her family with kindness and deep devotion to her Lord.

Brenda is survived by her three children: E. Michael Ellis (Carla), Christopher Ellis (Kim), and Grace Shearer (David). She leaves behind a cherished legacy through her grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Emma Jennings (Bradley), Benjamin,Rachel Weissner (William), Quincy, Kristen Montes (Daniel), Joelly, Vanessa, Owen, Zachary, Christopher, Jonathon, Nicholas, and Mitchell; and great-grandchildren, Wesley and Daniel Jr. She is also survived by her dear sisters, Judith Atkins and Sandra Hepner, and gratefully thankful for her longtime friends, Barry and Cherly Ashley.

Brenda brought joy to those around her with her love of springtime, sunshine, flowers, Christmas traditions, Hallmark movies, seafood, coffee, and the biggest sweet tooth. Known affectionately as "Nana", she delighted in phone calls that began with "It's your grandma, or hey doll baby," always adorned with jewelry, lipstick, and eyebrow liner and never without her hair done.

A graveside celebration of her life will be held April 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Nansemond-Suffolk Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia by Pastor Fred Gray. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater, 1100 Madison Plaza, Suite 104A, Chesapeake VA, 23320.

Though she has left this world, we take comfort in knowing she is now worshipping, walking, running, jumping, and skipping with Jesus and her Mike. Her memory will forever live in the hearts of those who loved her.

"but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31