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BORN
1938
DIED
2023
Ellen Davis Obituary
October 8, 1938 - January 13, 2023
Charlotte, North Carolina - Ellen Noles Davis, October 8, 1938 - January 13, 2023, of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away peacefully on January 13, 2023, aged 84. Ellen was born to Henry Van Dyke Noles and Wilma Kelly Noles. She is preceded in death by her beloved daughter and best friend, Elizabeth "Beth" Davis and her brother Van Noles, sister Virginia Noles Clark. She is survived by her sister Linda Statham and her husband James and her nieces Kathy Statham Nash and Robin Statham Sloop and nephew Mitchell Van Clark.
Ellen was the founder and owner of the McNinch House Restaurant, a highly acclaimed and award winning restaurant in uptown Charlotte. She was a pioneering businesswoman and the driving force behind the McNinch House Restaurant. After purchasing the historic home in 1978, she dedicated the following decade to restoring the landmark. In 1989, she opened the restaurant, and as a self-taught cook, Ellen served as the restaurant's first chef. Throughout the years, Ellen and her daughter, Beth, were an inseparable, dynamic duo who worked tirelessly to grow the McNinch House Restaurant. Ellen was tremendously proud of her daughter and the remarkable team of Anthony "Wes" Wesley, Tracy Webb, Rachel Tracy, Wendy Culp, Jessie Fausz, Cydni Stickney , Tiffany Hoyle, Melanie Berry, Suzanne Swain, Ryan Chandler at the restaurant.
Ellen was an incredibly inspiring woman who never shied away from taking on new opportunities. Ellen was best known for her tender heart, dedicated work ethic, and loyal spirit. Her beautiful smile and contagious laugh will be dearly missed.
Ellen's legacy and impact within the Charlotte community and beyond will live on forever.
A sincere thank you to all of her customers and past employees who were a part of the adventure known as the McNinch House Restaurant
A gathering of friends and family will be held Sunday, January 29, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00PM at the McNinch House Restaurant.
Please in honor of Ellen wear something purple, which was her favorite color.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Davis
2 Entries
Tom Renckens
January 26, 2023
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I worked with Ellen in the late 1980's and 90's. It was such an inspiring and charming place to work and she was a fierce advocate of excellence in everything she did. And she did it with beguiling Southern graciousness and simplicity. She was one of a kind.
Calvin E. Hefner, FASID, CAPS, TSSF
January 23, 2023
Dear Family, Ellen was truly an outgoing lovely lady with compassion, vigor and determination. Ellen and I were friends as pioneers in Charlotte's Fourth Ward. We purchased our homes at about the same time. Mine was the Overcarsh House on 8th St. I vividly remember Ellen's "Christmas Shop", I believe her first venture in the McNinch House. She surely drew the people into buy. Both of us spent years in the restoration of our homes. I always enjoyed meeting with Ellen on her walks in the neighborhood. Charlotte will miss a pioneering spirit with Ellen's transition. Ellen's light will always shine for those who knew her. May God give you the strength and comfort you may need at this time. Ellen was a jewel and sparkled brilliant colors always. May she and Beth rest in peace.
Calvin E. Hefner, FASID, CAPS, TSSF, in Cuenca, Ecuador
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