February 15, 1934 – April 19, 2024
Leslie Clyde Ellis was born February 15, 1934, in Walker, Louisiana, to Glenn and Larrecie Ellis. He passed away at his home on April 19, 2024. He was 90 years old. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Betty Jo Sibley Ellis. He was a member of the Walker High School graduating class of 1952. He attained the rank of Sargent in the U.S. Army, and later earned his college degree from Southeastern. After teaching elementary school for several years, he earned his Master’s degree from LSU and became principal of the 7th Ward School. While at 7th Ward, he earned his Doctorate from LSU, and spent the remainder of his career at the central office of Livingston Parish Public Schools, retiring as the K-8 Supervisor as well as Director of Curriculum. During the same time that he spent dedicating his life to the education of children, he also served for many years as a children’s Sunday School teacher at Walker Baptist Church, where he was a lifelong member and served on the board of directors. An avid sports fan, he spent many years playing fast pitch softball, as well as coaching kids for both municipal and church teams. In retirement, he and Betty Jo enjoyed traveling extensively. Along with his wife, he is also survived by four sons and their wives, David and Lynn Ellis, Glenn Shannon and Kelli Ellis, Patrick and Eileen Ellis, and Aaron and Jovita Ellis; ten grandchildren, Brad, Laura, Jennifer, Helen, Keaton, Emma, Carl, Katie, Peyton, and Reyna, and several great grandchildren. Also survived by sister Janice Ellis Tiner and brother Carlton Ellis. Preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Larrecie Ellis, sister Geraldine “Jerry” Ellis Varnado, and brother Douglas Ellis. Pall bearers will be his four sons, as well as Keaton Ellis, Derek Ellis, John Ellis Varnado, and Robin Sibley, along with Honorary Pall Bearers Perry Joe Ellis, Brent Jones and James Tiner, as well as special Honorary Pall Bearer Kermit Hunt. Visitation and Services will be held at Walker Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Mike Hegwood. Visitation Sunday, April 21, from 1:00 – 3:00, service at 3 p.m. Burial to follow at Walker Baptist Church cemetery.Leslie Ellis Feb. 15, 1934 – April 19, 2024
2 comments
Barbara Mizell
April 21, 2024 at 12:15 am
Dr. Leslie Ellis was a highly respected leader in education, and a compassionate Christian. I can recall that when he was my principal at Seventh Ward Elementary, I was among a group of students lined up outside his office for a vaccination shot. Being scared of needles, I ran and hid underneath the original lunchroom building. Dr. Ellis coaxed me out and gently held me in his arms to get that shot. Well, my hero was right! It didn’t hurt at all! Years later, I had the pleasure of teaching one of his wonderful grandsons, Keaton, in first grade. What a full circle! Our vivid memories of Dr. Ellis will live on – as he now rests in the arms of Jesus.
Betty Jo Ellis
April 23, 2024 at 7:50 pm
What a wonderful tribute to a life well lived! Thank you so much! Keaton and us have always loved you! You are part of a special family from our past memories.