Ellen Everett

January 17, 1917 – July 18, 2015

Ellen Everett, of the Bronx, New York, departed this life during an unexpected illness. She was married to Tom Everett, a World War II Veteran, who predeceased her. The couple had no children. She had recovered well-enough from a nursing home stay to be four days shy of being approved to return to her private residence when she passed .

She survived her parents and all of her siblings; Willie Mae, Leroy, Sr., Josephine, Richard, Reginald and Frederick. She is survived by nieces, nephews and grand- nieces and grand- nephews too numerous to list.

Until two weeks before her death, relatives were already thinking of her 100th birthday celebration fast approaching. Even at her age she was tireless when there was something for her to do.

Mrs. Everett was born Ellen Ashwood to Willie and Amelia Ashwood of Tampa, Florida. Amelia, her mother, was born in Tarpon, Bay, Eleuthera, Bahamas – where folklore has it that the sand is white and the plums are pink in June . The location was a honeymoon stop for Prince Charles and Princess Diana aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia.

She attended Spelman College – a historically black liberal arts college for women -- in Atlanta, GA where, as she said, “When you were taught something you learned!” She became a beautician and provided services at Landero’s Hair Salon, to many of Harlem’s and New York City’s star performers and famous personalities of her era.

She enjoyed a very active life and was a friend to many; a person who could be counted on. Both she and her husband, Tom, were a successful team. They were devout Roman Catholics and were congregants of Sacred Heart Church in Mount Vernon, New York, where they also resided for many years.

Mr. and Mrs. Everett enjoyed the performing arts, fine art, extensive international travel, responsible honorable living, great food and spirited conversation about topics of the day. A visit to their home was a first-class experience; especially during holidays and special events! They were invested in life!

Family was important and she maintained contact with them as best as she could as her age advanced. There are a host of relatives in her hometown of Tampa, FL, where her remains will be laid to rest —reunited with the home she loved. As her husband often fondly remarked, “Lovely woman!”

Done by the family who convey their gratitude for all expressions of remembrance and condolence.