Jamira "Jay or JJ" Ellis

Jamira Ellis, affectionately known as "Jay" or "JJ" found peace at the age of 64 in her home. Born in Youngstown, Ohio she was known for her helpful spirit, strength, and love of education and her family. She was a devoted church member, enjoyed sports and traveling, and could be seen in her crimson red Mary Kay lipstick.
She was an avid reader and found enjoyment in crossword puzzles, card games, collecting antiques, sci-fi and mystery television, and was a part of a Christian bowling league for many years. She was a teacher and tutor and a lover of math and accounting. She was a member and player of the Struthers High School Girls Basketball State Championship team in 1978 and sung in the SHS Singers choir and showchoir.
Jamira graduated from Struthers High School in 1979 and attended The Youngstown State University where she received an associate's degree in Accounting and went on to later achieve a bachelor's in Business Administration. She worked in community service being employed by MYCAP for over 30 years. She then taught in private school for several years and later retired from Youngstown Eagle's Christian Academy Daycare and Preschool where she held a special love for the young children she oversaw. She was a prior longtime member of the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church of Struthers, Ohio where she raised her daughter and served as church secretary and treasurer and a member of the choir, usher board, and culinary committee. She most recently was a devoted member of the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church where she was wrapped in love and support. She served in their choir and culinary committee. She worked part-time in her retirement as church secretary for Metropolitan and support at a residential facility for adults with mental health needs.
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter; Monica Ellis; siblings; George S. Ellis, Christopher G. Ellis, Sr., Ramsey E. Ellis Sr., Darrell (Robben) Ellis, John Anderson, and Valerie (James) Johnson. She loved all of her siblings but held a special bond with her brother, Brian (Belinda) Ellis and sister in-law, Kathryn Ellis. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a great great niece. She was instrumental in the rearing of her oldest niece Karen (Reginald) Clarke, and nephews Brian J. (Breonnie) Ellis, Ramsey E. (Jessica) Ellis, Jr. and Aaron McGuire; and had a special love for her youngest nephew Isaiah W. (Victoria) Bush, Sr. She recognized the importance of knowing the Lord and made sure to bring her young nephews and invite family to church whenever she could. She will be missed by her past and present church members, friends, co-workers, neighbor, Ms. Nellie, and especially by her daughter, siblings and extended family members.
She was preceeded in death by her parents, George Thomas and Mackey Verna Ellis; friends, Tammy Donald and Melissa "Tiny" Gray; cousin, Iris Jackson; her grandparents, Rev. Thomas and Pellie Ellis and Willis and Sudie Williams, along with several aunts and uncles. A memorial celebration of Jamira's life will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 11 a.m., at the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 485 Redondo Road in Youngstown, Ohio 44504 with Rev. Grecco Y. Bush, Senior Pastor, presiding as the celebrant.