Pauline “Polly” Elizabeth Thompson Ellis, age 96 of Shelby, went to be with her Lord in her eternal Heavenly home on September 23, 2013 at Wendover Hospice House.  She was born on February 12, 1917 in Vass to the late Alsie Key Thompson and Roxie Belle Gaddy Thompson Foust.

Mrs. Ellis was retired from Belk, where she worked for many years and where she met her future husband William “Bill” Powell Ellis in Burlington. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis were married in 1936 and lived in Burlington, Winston-Salem, and Shelby. They settled in Shelby in 1951, where they raised their two children. Mrs. Ellis had been active at First Baptist Church since 1951 and in the community, as long as her health allowed. She met many friends and formed long and lasting relationships through her church involvement. She also especially enjoyed friendships and service in the Shelby Junior Charity League. In addition, Mrs. Ellis enjoyed membership in Gardner-Webb CSO and was an ardent supporter of Gardner-Webb University.

Mrs. Ellis was a much beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ellis is preceded in death by her husband, “Bill” Ellis, who passed away in 1993; a sister, Juanita T. Teague; a brother, Russell Thompson; and a special friend, Hugh Watts.

Mrs. Ellis is survived by a daughter, Judith Ellis Pollander and husband ,Lee ,of Shelby; a son, William David Ellis and wife ,Susan, of Spartanburg, SC; four grandchildren,  Jon Christopher Champion  of Baxley , GA. , Robin Champion Wright of Mt. Holly, Zachary David Ellis of Spartanburg, SC, and Dr. Andrew William Ellis (Gwynn )of  Cambridge England ; and five great grandchildren, Jonathan Green, William Green, Keilee Wright, Jon L. Champion, and Michael Champion.

The family would like to express gratitude for the care provided by the staff of Sterling House, Hospice House and special caregiver, Joyce Earls.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 2:00pm in the chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory with the Rev. Tony Tench officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. A private burial will be held in Cleveland Memorial Park

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Baptist Church Child Care Center, 120 N. Lafayette St. Shelby NC 28150; Young Life of Cleveland County, PO Box 1757, Shelby NC 28151, or the charity of one’s choice.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Ellis.