Josephine Brooks Ellis , 81, of Spotsylvania, VA, answered the Lord's call and went home to be with the Lord on December 30, 2021.

Josephine, affectionately known as "Phine" or "Joe" was born in Spotsylvania on April 8, 1940, to Rufus Brooks and Marie Alsop Brooks. Josephine followed in her parents' footsteps and accepted Jesus Christ as her beloved Lord and Savior at an early age. She attended many places of worship and became a dedicated member of Sylvannah Baptist Church. Josephine contributed as a missionary, a deaconess and usher for many years even as she suffered various illnesses and hospitalizations. She was known to read her favorite scripture, Psalm 23 to her children and as she led the congregation during devotions. As a young girl, Josephine attended John J Wright School with her brothers, sisters, numerous cousins and neighbors during the 1940s and 1950s. She continued her love for learning by supporting her own children and their friends throughout their education. She was a devoted wife and mother. Her smile and laughter brought joy to all around her.

Josephine was joined in holy matrimony with Charles Ellis on May 19, 1955. To this union they were blessed with eleven children, twenty-eight grandchildren, forty-five great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rufus and Marie Brooks; her brothers, Franklin Roosevelt Brooks, Carl Brooks and MacArthur Brooks; her sisters, Loraine Camp, Ruth Edna Brooks, Margarite Smith and Rose Maitland Carter; her grandson, Andre Ellis; her aunt and best friend, Josephine Alsop.

Those left to cherish her memory and mourn, are her husband of 66 years, Charles Ellis Sr. of Spotsylvania, VA; sons, Charles Ellis Jr. (Anna), Harold Ellis (Regina), David Ellis, Clayton Ellis (Lisa) , Olen Ellis, Darrell Ellis (Juli) all of Spotsylvania, VA; daughters, Patricia Ellis, Linda Darlene Minor, Sherry Ann Grant, Earlene Ellis, Wendy Anderson (Alfonzer) all of Spotsylvania, VA; one she considered as her bonus child, Anthony Ellis of Spotsylvania, VA; her grandchildren; one sister, Edith Mae Mills of Fredericksburg, VA; one sister-in-law, Virgie Fauntleroy of Spotsylvania, VA; one aunt, Landonia Taylor of Spotsylvania, VA; her uncle, Lewis Alsop of Spotsylvania, VA; and a slew of cousins and extended family who loved and adored her.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Friday, January 14, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and one hour before the funeral service. A funeral service will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM. The interment will be held at Sylvannah Baptist Church Cemetery.