Willadean Ellis

Willadean Gill Ellis, age 94 passed on November 18, 2025. She was a member of the Big Springs Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert A. Ellis, and daughter, Teressa Ann Ellis. Surviving are three sons and daughters-in-law; Stephen Ellis & Nancy; Rodger Ellis & Linda; and David Ellis & Sandra; six grandchildren; Nine great grand-children; and one great-great granddaughter.

She was the daughter of John Samuel Gill and Ollie Mae Corvin of Dayton, TN, and was the youngest of nine siblings in the Gill Family. She is survived by one sister, Martha (Lucy) Griffin and several nieces and nephews.

Raised in Georgetown, she attended Meadowview School until the fifth grade. Her principal was Thomas C. Bower. After moving to Cleveland, she had to walk a mile to Oak Grove (a two-room school with grades 1 thru 4 in one room and grades 5 thru 8 in the other). At age sixteen, she went to work at the historical Sanda Hosiery Mill (now renovated into apartments) as a knitter. After working twenty-five years in the Food Services at T.C. Bower School, she retired in 2008. She enjoyed preparing food for the children and teachers, who were always so very kind, and would routinely give her thank you notes.

She always loved her family gatherings - watching her older brothers enjoy a good meal and talk about growing up in "the good ole days". Her father, she never knew, died when she was just a year old. Most of her friends and relatives have gone on before her and are now with her in heaven. 
Private graveside services will be held at Fort Hill Cemetery.