Thelma Ells

Thelma (Givhan) Ells, 100 yeas of age, of South Haven, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, February 2, 2020 at the South Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Community.

Thelma was born on October 7, 1919 in Memphis, Tennessee the daughter of Rev. William Henry and Janie Mariah (Taylor) Givhan. She then lived in Chicago, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri for some years and then finally settled in Michigan where she lived in the Bangor and South Haven area for the last fifty years.

Thelma was the wife and widow of James Ells, Sr., a veteran of the United States Army. She was a member of the Eastern Star. She also worked as a nail technician. Thelma enjoyed shopping, reading the newspaper, watching television, eating out at her favorite restaurants and traveling. She enjoyed taking care of her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband—James Ells, Sr. and son—James Ells, Jr., four brothers, four sisters, and also nieces and nephews.

Thelma is survived by nieces—Berline (Givhan) Brown, Terrie Givhan, and Barbara Givhan; nephews—Tony (Verma) Givhan, Malcolm Givhan, and Clifford Givhan; grandchildren—Angela (Ells) Thomaston, James Ells III, John Ells, Phillip Ells, Tash Ells; great-nieces—Yolanda (Raul) Givhan-Solis, Sandra (Karl) Givhan-Johnson, Ly’Nette Givhan, Ly’Mara Givhan, Jeshka Givhan, Jamie Givhan, and Jennifer Givhan Thornton; great-nephews—Willie Givhan, Jr., Demetrius (Jessa) Givhan, David Brown, Jackie Brown, and Jason Givhan. A host of great and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Bangor. Thelma will be laid to rest at Breedsville Cemetery.