Joyce A. Ellis

Joyce Agnes (Telesford) Ellis

January 19, 1925 – January 30, 2024

Back in 1925, the Jazz Age was in full swing and the first issue of The New Yorker magazine was published. Calvin Coolidge was President, and F. Scott Fitzgerald published The Great Gatsby.  New York became the world's most populous city.  Then, Joyce A. Telesford entered the world at Harlem Hospital in New York City, the eldest daughter of Fitton and Maggie Telesford’s five children.

 As a youngster, Joyce and part of her family moved to the Caribbean Island of Grenada.  She excelled academically, as well as in athletics.  Here they lived for several years before returning to New York where Joyce took classes and worked briefly for NYC.  She then entered nursing school at Metropolitan Hospital School of Nursing on Welfare Island, today known as Roosevelt Island.  Joyce completed her courses and graduated with her degree as a Registered Nurse (RN) in 1953.

Shortly before her graduation from Nursing School, Joyce and some friends went on a boat ride where she met Charles (Charlie) Ellis.  They got along well and were married in 1953.  Mom and Dad were together for 59 years, before Dad passed away in July 2012.

Joyce, who I would describe as having a quiet strength, continued to care for family, provide sage advice, and take care of business!  To the very end, she was an endearing, positive force appreciated by all who experienced her presence.

Mom passed on from this earthly existence on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, eleven days after her 99th Birthday.  She was Mother, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Friend to very many for a very long time.

Joyce is survived by five children, Charles (Grace), Yvette, Philip, Robert (Lily), and Peter; eight grandchildren, Michael, Kristen (Jon), Nicholas, Jane, Claire, Eric (Keziah), Taylor, Noah; three great grandchildren, Valencia, Elijah, Dominic, plus one on the way!

Mom, you are and always will be missed and loved !