Obituary of Hope Hilliard Ellis

Hope Hilliard Ellis, 64, of Durham, formerly of Carrboro, passed away on October 15, 2016, at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. Hope was born in High Point on February 3, 1952, the daughter of Thomas Hampton and Gladys Pauline (Swaim) Hilliard. She was later united in marriage to John Ellis. He preceded her in death in 1997. Hope worked at FGI and Duke before retiring from Granville Towers in Chapel Hill. Hope was baptized at University Baptist Church, and was most recently a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church. She loved making care baskets, crafting and making jewelry. Cooking was Hope's specialty, and she was known for her love of laughter. She loved God and her family, and enjoyed taking cruises with her sisters. Hope is survived by her son Jonathan (Rhonda) Ellis of Greensboro; her daughter Wendy Ellis (Todd) Riley of Durham; four sisters: Henrietta Smith of Durham, Helen (Sam) DiPietro of Florida, Harriet Hilliard of Durham, and Hilda (Sherrill) Hester of Durham; three grandchildren: Shaina Riley, Nathan Ellis and Jenna Ellis; and brothers-in-law: Wallace Ellis, William (Becky) Ellis, and Warren (Cheryl) Ellis. Hope was preceded in death by her husband John Ellis, and two half-sisters: Shirley Sumner and Iris Willeby. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at Walker's Funeral Home in Chapel Hill, with burial to follow in Westwood Cemetery in Carrboro. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 PM on Tuesday, October 18, 2016. Memorials may be made to Mt. Hermon Baptist Church in memory of Hope Ellis.