Obituaries

John P. Ellis, 64

March 24, 2017

John P. Ellis 64, of Lancaster, passed away Friday, March 24, 2017, at Lancaster General Hospital.

He was the husband of Zeltha L. (Pitts) Ellis, whom he married on February 16, 1980. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late John P. Ellis, Sr. and Esther B. Ellis of Philadelphia.

John was a 1970 graduate of Roman Catholic School, Philadelphia, and a 1975 graduate of Fisk University, Nashville, TN. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

His work of 30 years included Union Carbide in Charleston, WV, McNeil Pharmaceutical in Springhouse, PA, and M&M/Mars in Elizabethtown.

John loved cooking and barbequing for family and friends. He enjoyed writing poetry and was recognized by The Philadelphia Tribune on August 6, 1985 for his poem “Dreadlocks and Cops”. He was fond of sports, but particularly supportive of the Philadelphia Eagles. One of his main hobbies was gardening and lawn work and he took pride in keeping a manicured lawn. John loved shopping for the latest gadgets and tools, and was known for always challenging someone to a game of chess or playing a game of checkers on the computer. He loved bike riding which included a challenging ride of 77 miles from Lancaster to Philadelphia.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Johsua R. Ellis of Lancaster, Andre’ J. Ellis and his wife Vanessa of Lititz and Murad N. Brooks of Lancaster; one daughter, Quan L. Smith of York; and six grandchildren, Kaylee Mentzer, Alesis Mentzer, Zoe Ellis, Travis Johnson, Malachi Brooks, and Lanaisa Brooks. There are two godchildren, Nyeema Roberson and Christopher Pitts. He has one sister Linda Ellis and one brother, Wayne Ellis, and his mother-in-law, Florence Pitts. Nine sisters in-law, one brother in-law, a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and his beloved cat, Sushi, also survive him. He was preceded in death by a sister, Tina Ellis, and his father-in-law, Horace Pitts.

Homegoing services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, April 1, 2017 at Bright Side Baptist Church, 515 Hershey Ave., Lancaster with the Rev. Dr. Louis A. Butcher, Jr officiating. Family and friends will be received 2 hours prior to the service. Burial will follow in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in John’s memory may be made to Manheim Twp. Ambulance Association, 1820 Municipal Dr., Lancaster, PA 17601 or to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

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Condolences to the Family

July 25, 2017

Ellis Family: John will be missed by our entire dental team. We enjoyed being a small part of his life over the years. Dr. Jason Phillips and staff.

May 14, 2017

Dear Zeltha and family ,
We were saddened to learn of the passing of John. May it comfort you to know that we care deeply for you. May the all surpassing love and peace of God rest upon you and yours today and in the days ahead.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Dean and Vanessa Preston

March 31, 2017

To Sister Zeltha and the entire Ellis Family,
Grace and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ; We pray a special pray for you today that God will care for you and grant you the peace that passes all understanding. John was a loyal and faithful trustee and committed to our church and his pastor during his tenure at Zion Church in Amber, Pa. We love you and are keeping you in our heart and prayers.
Re. Dr. Gerald L. Chapman, Sr.
GLC Ministries, Lansdale PA

March 30, 2017

To Sister Zelta and all of the Ellis family members, my prayers and thoughts are with you as you travel through this most challenging time. I thank you for the time you shared Brother John with us while I was at Bright Side on Queen Street. It was a pleasure to work with and learn from him, as he expressed his love for Christ, family, and his church.
May God strengthen you.
Reverend Dawn B Harmon, Senior Pastor
A New Beginning Bible Fellowship Ministries

March 29, 2017

Dear Ellis family,
It saddens me to hear of John’s passing. I’d have to say he was one of the nicest people I knew – a true “gentle giant.” He will be greatly missed, along with his baking and potato salad making. He was instrumental in making my wedding food memorable, and I will be forever grateful for that. I pray that God comforts you all and gives you the strength to move victoriously through the pain.

Regina Moore

March 29, 2017

May God Bless you and give you Spiritual Peace
Condolences Zeltha to you and the family.
Carla

March 28, 2017

Zeltha and family;
I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news concerning John passing this weekend . I will always remember him at Church,M&M, Bloomsburg, and the visit to the house to pick up my Sweet Potato Cheese pie. He was a Great person and would always give you a big smile and a joke. Earth’s loss and Heaven’s reward with John, Zeltha I will continuously pray for You and the family for healing during this time of sorrow………….
friends
Marcei Woods

March 27, 2017

Fond memories of John from M&M Mars..he was such a kind and soft spoken man.
I loved his gentle spirit. Please accept our condolences for your loss.
Jeff and Marcella Frey

Visitation: Saturday, April 01, 2017; 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Bright Side Baptist Church; 515 Hershey Ave.; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Saturday, April 01, 2017; 11:00 AM; Bright Side Baptist Church; 515 Hershey Ave.; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >