Gaye Justis Ellis, 84, took her last peaceful breath Sunday morning March 13, 2011 surrounded by family sharing love and singing praises. Our family was truly blessed to have Mama home for the last several weeks of her time here. That breath was followed with a homecoming in Heaven with the Lord, her beloved husband, James Ellis, as well as her parents, Earl & Glenna Justis; brother, Don; sisters, Barbara Darnall and Sandra Thompson; as well as others she missed. Gaye is survived by son, Kenny Ellis & daughter-in-law, Linda; daughter, Vickie Henderson & son-in-law, Sheldon; and youngest, Jennifer Watt & son-in-law, David, all of Salem; seven grandchildren including, Todd Ellis, Jeremy Ellis & wife, Chelsea, Troy Henderson & wife, Kelly, Sara Henderson Martin & husband, Jay, Sharon Boone & husband, Ben, Conner and Nathan Watt. She was GranNanny to five great grandchildren, Tucker, Rhett, Haden, Rowan and Bronwyn. Also surviving is Gaye's brother, Bussie Justis & his wife, Pat; sister, Elva Caldwell & her husband, Rusty; sisters & brothers-in-law, Kathleen Perry, Bobby Darnall, Doris Ellis, Shirley Hess, Minnie Byrd, Eddie & Ivie Ellis, Harry & Doris Worrell and Harold & Jane Ellis; amongst numerous nieces and nephews; as well as great-nephews and great-nieces; and many beloved friends. Gaye was a longtime member of Salem Church of Christ. She was a prayer warrior to many and loved sharing her movies, playing bingo and talking with friends through the night. She was a dedicated employee of Dr. J.B. Rappoport for more than 30 years. The family will receive friends, 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2011, at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem. A celebration of her life will immediately follow, 2 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel, with interment to follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. "Seek His Will in all you do and He will show you which path to take" Prov 3:6.

ROANOKE TIMES, Wed, Mar 16, 2011