Janie Harris Ellison
Janie Harris Ellison, 76, widow of John William “Bill” Ellison, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023. Born in New Bern, NC, she was the daughter of the late Rev. James Albert and Elizabeth Storm Harris.
“Janie Ruth” was born into a musical family and spent most of her youth in Jacksonville, NC. She graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1964, receiving the Underwood Typist of the Year award. Following graduation, she attended Bob Jones University where she pursued a major in Piano Performance during her freshman year. The following year she earned a certification in Business Administration. She worked on staff at Bob Jones for a year and then enrolled as a full time Home Economics major. She met her fun-loving husband, Bill, while at Bob Jones and was married December 1969. All of Janie’s experiences at Bob Jones laid the foundation to be a blessing to others throughout her life.
In Janie’s personal life, she found tremendous joy in bringing family together over nightly prepared meals and special holiday feasts. She also enjoyed a competitive family game of Scrabble, during which her usual gentle demeanor gave way to a cutthroat streak especially evident if her beloved Bill was winning the game.
She used her sewing skills to create a life of beauty and community around her, finding joy in the creation of baskets, original quilted wall hangings, and special children’s clothing like superhero capes for her grandchildren. She crocheted baby blankets for those she loved and little ones yet to be loved at Piedmont Women’s Center.
In her community, Janie played the piano beautifully and sang lovely alto solos and harmonies. She used these gifts to serve in the small churches she and Bill attended in the 1970’s. In the 1990s, her life-long desire to learn and create led her to become a Master Gardener. A few years later she convinced Bill to pick up Square Dancing with the Simpsonville Pioneers. His initial reluctance gave way to enthusiasm when he saw how Janie came alive on the dance floor.
Following the Homegoing of Bill in 2010, she poured her time and effort into women’s Bible studies, teaching children about the Lord through Good News Club® and serving on the Hospitality team at Horizon Church where she and Bill were charter members. She was known by her friends for her faithfulness, gentle spirit, willingness to help others, and her quick smile with a laugh that followed. In her most recent years she was known for her joy, sweetness and sense of peace that rested over her. Her last moment was one of peace and calm, surrounded by her loving family, leaving this earth to join her soulmate Bill and her loving Savior in glory.
Ms. Ellison is survived by one son, Jonathan Lowe Ellison (Sara); three daughters, Carrie Ellison Vaughn (Neal), Sarah Ellison Murray (Joe), and Rachel Elizabeth Harding (Ian); seven grandchildren, Wyatt Murray, Eliza Murray, John William Murray, Eoin Harding, Finn Harding, Asher Harding, and Oliver Ellison; and two brothers, David Harris of Mint Hill, NC and James Albert Harris, Jr. of Inverness, FL.
A Visitation will be held Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Horizon Church; 1070 E Butler Road, Greenville, SC 29607. A Funeral Service will follow at the church at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be in Cannon-Byrd Memorial Park following the service.
In honor of Janie’s life, the family requests memorials be made to Piedmont Women’s Center, Good News Club®, or Horizon Church.
Piedmont Women’s Center: https://piedmontwomenscenter.org/donate-now/
Good News Club®: https://www.cefonline.com/donate/#meet-our-most-urgent-need
Horizon Church Deacon’s Fund/ Benevolence: https://pushpay.com/g/horizonchurchgreenville
Prayers for her family. 🙏
Janie was a friend from the days when we all worked on staff at Bob Jones University, and after she and Bill were married. Time and location separated us, but the memories will always be there. May the Lord comfort and strengthen Janie’s family in this time of loss.
Dear Loved Ones, I was indeed blessed to attend my dear Janie’s celebration of life! It was beautifully conducted and glorified the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ just as did her life. I cherish many dear and precious memories of our sweet friendship. Now I also have her family’s faces in my heart. Bill and my husband Jim have been enjoying heavenly rewards and I know Janie’s joy knows no bounds now as well! She was beautifully reposed to reflect such peace! Thank you for absolutely honoring your mother in every way. Please know you are a part of my heart and welcome in my home with love.
I remember her teaching me alto with row row row your boat while we spent time at our storm grandparents. It was always fun with Janie, my sweet cousin.
Talk about scrabble..we went for dinner with Bill and Janie and then to their home for a competitive game of scrabble…!!! I am a Scrabble lover also and on our walks Janie would talk about their games! Oh those times were 😊 fun!
My sincerest heartfelt condolences for Janie’s passing. She was truly a beautiful lady inside and out. She was a true inspiration to many. Including myself. My prayers are with you all
I am saddened to learn of Janie’s passing. My husband & I were fellow members of the Pioneers square dance club & enjoyed dancing with Bill & Janie.
We loved her and her sweet presence at bible study and at Horizon church. She will be missed. She was my car riding buddy. ❤️ God bless you all. My deepest condolences.
Enjoyed our friendship with Janie & Bill. Love you all.
Words can’t describe the privilege I feel and memories of our time at People’s Bible Church in choir together. She was a blessing and her sweet family.