Sylvia M. Ellis

  She was born in Floyd, Virginia on June 20, 1927 to Guyda and Eldridge Hancock. She received a degree in nursing from Radford Community Hospital in Radford, VA in 1948 and completed a graduate course in Operative Aseptic Technique at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, IL in 1948.

  In 1949, she moved to Amarillo, where she served as an operating room nurse at Northwest Texas Hospital. It was there where she met her husband, Dr. J. Victor Ellis, neurosurgeon, who she married in 1952.

  Sylvia was a beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and sister. She was athletic for as long as her body allowed, regularly playing tennis well into her 70’s. Forever engaged and learning, she enjoyed playing bridge with friends, reading her magazines, taking walks, and baking the tastiest treats.

  She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. J. Victor Ellis; two grandchildren, Anna Floyd & Aaron Patton; two siblings, Rev. Samuel Hancock, Jr. & Francis Shelton.

  Survivors include their beloved daughter and son: Dr. Diana Ellis Fite of Houston & Dr. John Robert Ellis of Amarillo; eight grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; her loving sister, Hazel Pennington, of Virginia.

  Sylvia will be fondly remembered by her family for her patience, kindness, persistence, and for making the best pancakes in the world.

The family thanks their dear friend, Linda Hollar, for her many years of love and care provided to Sylvia during her final years.

A memorial service will be privately held.