"The Lord is My Shepherd,  I Shall not want" Psalm 23:1

God welcomed Brother Lawrence Russell Ellis into his kingdom early Monday Morning April 25, 2022.  He was born to the late Lawrence Lorenzo Ellis and Grace Flowers Ellis on January 18, 1943, in Surry County.  He attended and graduated from Luther Porter Jackson High School with the Class of 1962.  After graduation Russell was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding, Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company, a former School Bus Driver for Surry County Public Schools, and a School Security Officer for the Sheriff's Department of Surry County. Russell found joy in tilling the ground as a lifetime farmer, and his wife helped him in any capacity in which she was needed.

At an early age, Russell joined Jerusalem Baptist Church and remained a faithful member until his death.  He served as Chairman of the Trustee Board, Usher Ministry, and Finance Ministry and played an important part in the renovation of the old Church and the building of the new Church.  Russell loved his church and served faithfully without accepting compensation for many years.  Russell also traveled frequently with the Youth Department.

Russell was a former member of the Salisbury Hunt Club and served on several Boards in Surry County.

On January 29, 1966, at 3:50pm Russell married his High School Sweetheart, A. Jane Savedge with about two feet of snow on the ground by the time the wedding ceremony ended.  Russell made sure every year to find a way for them to celebrate their separate birthday and anniversary separately.  From this union, they were blessed with two daughters.

Russell leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife of 56 years A. Jane Ellis; two daughters, Sophenia D. Ellis (Special Friend Richardo Eason), and Shanika Ellis Baker(Eugene); three grandsons, Lawrence Micheal Ellis, Aaron David Baker, and Desmond Armand Baker; two sisters, Grace Lucille Jones(Tyrone) and Doris Ellis-Jackson; two aunts, Emily Ellis Clayton and Jerline Flowers Elliott; five brothers-in-law, four sisters-in-law, one devoted Beatrice Liggins; one devoted cousin, Jarvis Ellis Sr.(Linda); special friend of the family, Rev. Shirley H. Womble; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Public Viewing will be11:00am -Noon, Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Jerusalem Baptist Church 6512 Carsley Road, Waverly, Virginia

The Funeral Service for Mr. Ellis will be 12Noon, Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 6512 Carsley Road, Waverly, Virginia, Rev. George Ellis Brown, Pastor.