Janice Ellis

Today we celebrate the life of Janice M. Ellis.  She was born February 4, 1944, the baby girl to the late Raymond and Clarice Mitchell of Pittsburgh, PA.

She grew-up playing with her sister and best friend, Nadine (Lawrence) Powell.  During her high school years, you could find her cheering on the Westinghouse Bull Dogs shouting "This is the House Don't Move!"

After graduating from Westinghouse in 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, Mercer Ellis in 1965.  Their marriage was blessed with one son, Mercer Ellis, Jr. (Cricket).  Cricket was the apple of Janice's eyes.

After the untimely death of her husband, Janice began a career in banking and retail.  You would find her downtown, looking sharp going to work and shopping.  She had a skill for dressing to the nines on a bargain price.  She was a role model for single mothers today.  She provided for her son a beautiful home while working two jobs and keeping God in her life.

Janice was baptized and knew the Lord.  On many days, you could find Janice picking up her niece Scarlet and others, taking them to church.  She was a faithful member of Petra Ministries until her illness prevented her from attending.

When Janice had free time, she enjoyed hanging with girlfriend, Josephine Mukwita, going to plays, flea markets, traveling and attending social events.  Everybody loved when Janice would attend their event; she was the joy of the party always having a beautiful smile and something nice to say.

Although her in  later life Janice developed Alzheimer's Disease, it never stopped her.  She always wanted to be on the go with her niece Nicole Clark and her caregiver Michelle Jones.  Alzheimer's Disease could not take away her good spirits, beautiful smile and desire to be with "Na-Na".

On September 7, 2017, God called Janice home.  She transitioned from this earth gleaming her signature beautiful smile.  She has been happily reunited with her parents, husband, sister, Jacqueline McGee and best friend Beverly Washington.  She would want us to comfort and keep in prayer her son, Mercer Ellis, Jr., sister, Nadine (Lawrence) Powell, grandchildren, Jada and MJ, nephews Lemar and Shawn Clark, niece Monique (Andre) Powell, God-Daughter, Latoya (Dwayne) Rainey and a host of nieces, nephews , cousins and friends.