Beverly Ann (Ward) Ellis of Dallas, Texas, passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on February 27, 2025.
Beverly was known for her immense kindness and generosity. She was naturally social and a steady presence among those who knew her, with a limitless capacity to offer gentle words of support and love to family, friends, and even strangers.
She was born in Covington, Oklahoma, on January 5, 1932, to Richard B. Ward, an oilfield worker, and Iva M. Ward, a homemaker in the Covington-Garber oil fields. After moving to Oklahoma City, Beverly began working as a carhop at the local drive-in at the age of 14. She graduated from North East High School, where she lettered in tennis and badminton.
In high school, she began speaking for the Women's Christian Temperance Union and won silver, gold, and pearl awards. After her marriage and shortly after the birth of her first child, Beverly was in line for the prestigious diamond award but placed runner-up.
In 1953, she married the love of her life, Thomas Marion Ellis, Jr. The pair lived their days together as collectors of art and antiques, travelers, and faithful members of Heights Baptist Church. They were married for 64 years, until his passing in 2017.
Affectionately referred to as “Tommy,” he and Beverly welcomed three children while living in Oklahoma — Cary, Dana, and Diane. Beverly had worked for various businesses, including Southwestern Bell, now AT&T. The couple used their company stock to purchase their first home Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
After moving to Dallas, in 1967, Beverly began her decades-long career in the Richardson Independent School District. Her colleagues, who became lifelong friends, knew her as a kind soul, a loving listener, and a shoulder to lean on.
Beverly found great joy in surrounding herself with family, hosting Christmas and Thanksgiving before passing down the tradition to her children. Her recipes for baked beans, turkey, and chicken gravy are still enjoyed today.
To her grandchildren, she was known as “Memaw” and “Grandma,” and she always had a book, article, or story to share, often punctuated by a slap on her leg and a laugh that filled the room.
Beverly and Tommy attended countless sporting events for their children and grandchildren, with Beverly's supportive, but sharp whistle always signaling her presence.
Beverly was preceded in death by husband Thomas Marion Ellis, Jr. and brother Ed Ward (Florine Ward).
She is survived by son, Cary Ellis (Kelly Ellis); son, Dana Ellis (Phyllis Ellis); daughter, Diane Wright (Stan Wright); sister, Sharron Reeves (Bruce Reeves) and brother, Phil Ward (D.J. Ward); grandchildren, Heather Laymen (Allen Laymen); Toby Ellis (Jennifer Ellis); Ryan Ellis (Dominique Ellis); Brittany Zimmerman (Aaron Zimmerman); Lindsay Barnes (Daniel Barnes); Haley Ellis; Tyler Wright; great-grandchildren, Cash, Cooper, Sam, Mallory, Lily, Dori, Millie, Eli, Emma, Brant, Brinley; and numerous beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Beverly's wonderful caregivers, Hellen, Jane, and Bilha.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. . The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Beverly’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/beverly-ann-ward-ellis. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. Interment will be held at Ridgeview Memorial Park following the service.
The family will receive guests for a visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday evening at the funeral home.
In Lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.