Kay Davis Ellis

Kay was born October 20, 1940, in Bruce, MS, to parents Dudley Russell Davis, Sr, and Rena Ola Hannaford Davis. She graduated from Bruce High School in 1958.

She married the love of her life, Rev Gowan Ellis, June 19, 1960. They were married for 64 years, working together in Baptist churches and areas of ministry throughout the state.

Following marriage and the births of their three children, Kay earned an education degree from Blue Mountain College. She subsequently taught at Noxapater and North Pontotoc. But while teaching was her paying job, she also filled the position of pastor’s wife, assuming many duties in churches Gowan pastored, including playing the piano or organ.

She epitomized the Biblical model of a godly woman, hosting and welcoming church members into her home; instilling both the love of Jesus and the love of music into her children and grandchildren; and joyfully singing in church choirs. She was an amazing cook, particularly known for her caramel, coconut, and pound cakes and fluffy homemade biscuits.

As a pastor’s wife, she wrote many encouraging notes; gifted flowers from her yard to people in sorrowful as well as joyous times; or showed up on a church member’s doorstep with something delicious to eat at just the time such a thoughtful gesture was needed.

After her husband retired from the active pastorate, Kay & Gowan spent many happy hours gardening, him raising vegetables and she growing flowers.  She loved roses and hydrangeas and carefully maintained wildflowers as well. Kay was also an artist, using her talent to show the beauty of God’s creation in various media.

Though endowed with many gifts, perhaps Kay’s greatest gift was as an encourager, to her husband and family and those whose lives she touched.  She lived the apostle Paul’s admonition to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.” 

Kay is survived by her children Fran Mitchell (Cliff); Harvey Ellis (Sonji); and Selwyn Ellis (Holly). Her six grandchildren include Lauren Mitchell Wert (Charlie); Dailee Ellis Gibbs (Alex); Walker Ellis; Owen Ellis (Danielle); Davis Ellis (Sarah); and Andrew Ellis as well as bonus grandchildren Shane Mitchell, Catherine Clayton, Caroline Clayton Stroo, and Jack Wert.

Three great-grandchildren, Webb Sansing; Julianne Sansing; and Mitchell Wert blessed Kay and Gowan’s latter years.

A celebration of the life of Kay Ellis will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Home, located at 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157.

A funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM, with graveside services immediately afterward at Parkway Memorial Cemetery.

All who knew and loved Kay are welcome to attend and honor her memory.

The family would cherish any memorial gifts made to honor the life of Kay Ellis. Memorials may be directed to the Dale Mission, c/o Lee West, 129 Executive Dr Suite C, Madison MS. 39110 or to the Alzheimer’s Association for research.