Mr. Jerome Leo Ellis I

Jerome Leo Ellis, age 68 slipped peacefully into eternal rest in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 1, 2025 at his home in Hopewell, VA. Jerome was born December 3, 1956 at Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, VA to the late Essie Mae Stringfield-Ellis and the late Jerome Ellis. Jerome accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized and joined Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Hopewell, VA. He was educated by Hopewell Public Schools and was a graduate of Hopewell High School, Class of 1975. After graduating high school he worked at the Hopewell Laundry and balanced his schedule to help his mother and sister care for his niece Anissa Ellis (Sanchez). Shortly afterwards he began his career at Philip Morris USA (Park 500). He became an invaluable employee maintaining the intricate machinery and managing personnel as a Number 1 Operator. His talents afforded him the opportunity to travel to New York to present Cost Effectiveness and Safety measures to the Board and CEO's at Philip Morris Headquarters. Jerome or as he was affectionately called "Leo" was an extremely skilled and dedicated worker.
In 1979 he married his high school sweetheart Dona Lewis Ellis and from that union came three children Bianca M. Ellis, Camille A. Ellis and Jerome L. Ellis, II.
Leo was employed by the Southside Virginia Training Center in Dinwiddie, VA. He served in the Laundry and Boiler House for many years before his career transitioned into the medical field. He began his time at TriCities Hospital as a Med Transporter in the Behavior Health unit. Leo was charasmatic, enjoyed his time at the hospital and he referred to his co-workers as "Charlies Angels". It was here he began volunteering with the Ladies of Elegance, an organization whose focus is early detection, education and treatment of cancer. Lastly, Leo received the right hand of fellowship and served on the Usher Board at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
Left to cherish his memory are his children Bianca M. Ellis of Charlotte, NC, Camille A. Ellis (Jada) of Highland Springs, VA and Jerome L. Ellis, II of Richmond, VA. Also his beloved granddaughter Ayden C. Ellis of Highland Springs, VA; who affectionately called her grandfather "Paa-Paa". A devoted niece Anissa Ellis Sanchez (Gregory Jr). Devoted nieces Tiffany Thibodeaux (WA), Grace Ellis (OH) and Gabrielle Ellis (OH). Devoted nephews Dwayne Ellis Jr (WA), Stephen Crutcher (VA) and Nathaniel "Patrick" Crutcher (VA). Surviving siblings are Joan Amelia Ellis Crutcher of Virginia and Christopher Joseph Ellis (Denise) of Ohio. Surviving Aunts and Uncles are Emily Clayton (VA), Nannie Settles (VA), Virginia Bailey (VA), S. Joyce Edler (MD), Ruth Majette (VA), Janat Kornagay (MD), Hazel Stringfield (DC), Robert Stringfield (VA) and Happy Brown (VA). Also, to cherish his memory are a host of church members, classmates, colleagues, cousins, friends, and neighbors too many to name.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am, Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 4405 Prince George Dr., Prince George, VA. Pastor F. Lamont Gooding, officiating. Interment will follow at the Ellis Family Cemetery, Surry County, VA. Public visitation will be held from 10am-8pm, Friday, March 14th at the Petersburg Chapel of Bland Funeral Home 137 Harrison Street, Petersburg, VA.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Petersburg Chapel of Bland Funeral Homes, 137 Harrison St., 804.732.7841. www.blandfuneralhomes.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mr. Jerome, please visit our Tree Store.