Judith M. Ellis

Judith M. Ellis, 64, suffered a massive heart attack and passed into eternal life unexpectedly on Saturday, August 25, in Williamsburg, VA. She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Jean and Don Huston; brother, Ray Ellis (Kelli); brother, Bryan Ellis (Michelle); life partner, Christine M. Belcastro; stepbrother, Doug Huston (Nancy Reed) and stepsisters, Terrie (Matt) and Joanie (Dave); nieces and nephews, Raymond Ellis (Julie), Todd Ellis (Abby), Elizabeth Johnson (Ben), and Faith and Jacob Ellis; her cousins, Cindy Thornburg and Ronald Thornburg (Lisa); and many friends and relatives. She was dearly loved and will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Judi was predeceased by her father, Al Ellis; her aunt, Betty Thornburg; and her beloved friend, Celeste M. Belcastro. Judi grew up in Norfolk and Newport News, VA. She graduated from Menchville High School in 1972, having helped to establish the school colors, mascot, and song. She graduated from Longwood College in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, and went on to obtain a Master of Education Degree with a Specialty in Curriculum Development from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1987. She was a dedicated and exceptional science educator and taught in Chesterfield County Public Schools for 31 years. During this time, she developed science curricula for gifted students (e.g., "Electricity City" for teaching basic electrical engineering principles, as well as problem solving and team collaboration skills) and taught middle school science to disadvantaged students. Judi used her enthusiasm and passion for knowledge and hands-on activities to bring classroom lessons to life and to spark interest and enthusiasm in her students. She not only engaged her students in learning science, but she imparted life lessons related to personal integrity and values, such as kindness and respect for others. She also extended her kindness beyond the classroom often making sure that students who lacked basic necessities received warm coats and shoes for the winter. Needless to say, throughout her career she positively influenced the lives of thousands of students who were fortunate enough to enter her classroom. After retiring from teaching in 2009, Judi performed freelance work in developing educational outreach science curricula for NASA Langley Research Center and the National Institute of Aerospace. A resident of Stonehouse in Toano, Judi was known for her great sense of humor, easy laughter, and her ability to find humor in almost any situation. She always looked for the best in others, and no matter what life brought her way or how she was treated by others, she responded with love and an open heart. This especially applied to members of her family, seeking only their acceptance and love. Always active and involved in many projects, Judi loved music and was an accomplished singer and musician, loved to play golf, and enjoyed fishing, gardening, home improvement, playing cards, assembling jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with family, friends, and her dogs, Bentley and Niki, who benefitted from her love and devotion daily. A bright star among us has been dimmed here on Earth, and the world has lost an unsung everyday hero. She will remain in the hearts of many forever. A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 31, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: the Heritage Humane Society (https://heritagehumane.org/) or Shriners Hospital (https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc).