Frances Adelaide Leonard Ellis, 81, of Bladenboro died December 29, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eula Keith, and Walter Bryant Leonard. Frances is survived by her husband of 55 years, John David Ellis of the home, two sons, Kirk David of Lumberton, and Keats Leonard of the home. She is also survived by her siblings, Gail Nelms (Gerald), Dan Leonard (Joan), Kathy Gupton (Ray), and many nieces and nephews, all of Louisburg.

Frances was born April 12, 1939 in Franklin County, NC, the oldest of four siblings. After high school she attended Campbell College and later graduated from Wake Forest University. She was always "Proud to be a Deacon." Frances moved to Bladenboro and began a 30-year teaching career in Bladenboro schools. She ended her career teaching history at Bladenboro High School. Frances had a lifelong love of music. She spent many of these 55 years in Bladenboro as the church organist at Lennon's Crossroads Baptist Church. After retiring, she taught the Adult Sunday School class at the church until the pandemic. Frances is and will always be a die-hard Demon Deacon.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at 3 pm at the Pine Crest Cemetery in Bladenboro. Dr. Fred Senter will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you please consider donating in her memory to your favorite charity. Music and education were especially dear to her heart.

Paid Obituary