Nancy "Deloris" Ellis

Nancy Deloris Ellis, 80 of Abilene, went home to her Heavenly reward on Sunday, January 29, 2017.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Baker Heights Church of Christ with a graveside service to follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Texas State Veteran Cemetery in Abilene.  A visitation with the family will be on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.

Deloris was born on January 20, 1937 in Winters, Texas to Ivy and Thelma Lilly.  The family moved to Abilene in 1942 and Deloris attended Fair Park Elementary, South Junior High and Abilene High, graduating in 1955.  She attended Abilene Christian College for two years before enrolling in Draughon's School of Business in Fort Worth to study bookkeeping.  Deloris returned to Abilene and started working as a bookkeeper for the First State Bank.  It was there that she met a young teller back from Korea, Don Ellis.  After a short courtship, Don and Deloris were married at the University Church of Christ on August 17, 1957.

Deloris spent her years working as a bookkeeper, secretary, bus driver, coach, scorekeeper, Girl Scout cookie chair and the best job of all, a stay-at-home-mom.  She not only raised her two children, but would often keep kids for others over the years.  She was mom, teacher, driver, entertainer and cook for many kids.  Her life during her later years was caring for her husband.  Don and Deloris were married for 59 years and were rarely ever apart.  Their love for each other was on display for everyone to see, as they could often be seen holding hands everywhere they would go.

Deloris was preceded in death by her parents, Ivy and Thelma Lilly.  She is survived by her husband Don of Abilene; children Deanie Sewell of Fort Worth and Charles Ellis and wife Stephanie of Abilene; grandchildren Brittany Barksdale and husband Hayden of Denton, Gwyndolyn Ellis and Chandler Ellis of Abilene; brothers Robert and Wayland Lilly of Abilene; step-great grandson Carson Barksdale of Denton and other cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Baker Heights Church of Christ Eastreach Zambia Fund. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.