In Loving Memory

Thelma L. Ellis

April 4, 1945 — May 17, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thelma L. Ellis, a beloved sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend, who departed this life peacefully on May 17, 2026, at the age of 81, after a courageous battle with illness. Thelma's remarkable journey began on April 4, 1945, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, born to the late Queen Esther Wiilis, and from that day forward, she graced the world with a presence that would touch countless lives. Khadija and Alfreda, two of her closest friends, contributed heavily to this obituary. When she moved from Pine Bluff, Arkansas to St. Louis, she began education in the St. Louis public school system, where she graduated high school with a heart full of dreams and ambition. After that, she joined a job corps to learn a skill that lended itself well to a commendable career in public service, starting with the St. Louis University Library. Later she worked for well over two decades at the Department of Social Services in the Division of Family Services in the capacity of Administrative Clerical Support for Division Managers until she retired, with unwavering dedication and compassion, embodying the very spirit of service. Even after retirement, her work with the public continued as a Product Demonstrator and later as a receptionist for H&R Block, allowing her to remain connected to the community she cherished. Thelma was also incredibly involved with God and her faith. Baptized at her local family church, Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church, she served as a faithful member of the Noon Day Bible Study of that same church. She then later became a devoted member of the Nazareth Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Elder Freddie Thompson. In later years, she returned to her family church, remaining a devoted and faithful member there until her failing health rendered her unable to attend, but her spirit would be present and felt even after. Thelma was known for her lively sassiness, and her friends describe her as fun-loving. She didn't just love God and church and working with the public, but she also had a love of shopping, dining out, and watching movies at theaters. She had a sense of wanderlust, always wanting to get out of the house and travel. But above all, she cared deeply for her family and friends, always looking out for them. Thelma is predeceased by her cherished siblings, brother Talmadge "Buddy" Wiilis Jr and sister Delores Butler. She leaves behind a loving family, including her devoted niece Jackie Butler, great nieces Aprille Butler and Auzha Wilkie, and her great great nephew Jeremiah Dancer, who were the lights of her life. Her close friends, Khadija Muhammad, Alfreda Dabney, Lorraine Wilson, Queen Hill, and Barbara Ruffin, will forever remember her vibrant spirit and the joy she brought into their lives. As we bid farewell to Thelma L. Ellis, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and unwavering faith. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered in our hearts. May she rest in eternal peace.

Funeral Program

Tributes

Khadija Muhammad "Thelma and I spent a lot of time talking and laughing about family and other points of interest. We got drunk one time during our conversations. Later in life we even disagreed about religion. Everything about her was genuine." Alfreda Dabney "I knew Thelma as a sassy and lively woman, all the way up to her graduation. Her favorite pastimes included church, shopping and eating out. She would always say she 'had to get out of the house'." Queen Hill "I met Thelma when she moved upstairs over me about twenty years ago I believe. I used to see her around and one day we started talking and instantly hit it off, then she gave me her phone number. Every time we saw each other, we'd talk a little. We'd look out for each other. She was really a fun-loving person. She always treated me nice. Thelma was the type of person who didn't like sitting around the house and would always go to the show by herself with no problems or shopping. I truly miss seeing her. It's not the same without her here. My condolences to the family." Barbara Ruffin "She was a good friend; I've known her for twenty-seven years. She will be missed!" Auzha Wilkie "My mom just told me how Thelma was always concerned about me and my disabilities, autism and ADHD, and what was going on with me. I never really knew that about her until now. Very much thoughtful. Wish I knew her more." Jackie "I remember Thelma telling me that my mom got sick so she took care of me for the first two years of my life. And wow, I didn't know that. Later, she'd come visit us every year. We didn't have much but she would always come and give us money. And every Christmas she'd send me $100. A very thoughtful, loyal and caring aunt."

Special Thanks

With our deepest sincerity, we the family would like to applaud Charter Senior Living of Hazel Crest for their exceptional care during Thelma's final two weeks, as well as nurse Kenya Swain, whose compassionate presence provided comfort and reassurance during the journey from St. Louis to Charter Senior Living. We would also like to acknowledge Church Clerk Kennedy McAllister and Pastor Darrell L. Rice of the Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church as well as its Officers and members, who volunteered their condolences May 27th, 2026 with such thoughtful and gracious words.

Cherished Memories