Nella Ellis Willbanks

Nella Ellis Willbanks, 92, of Tyler, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, June 15, 2026. Nella was born on December 8, 1933, in Maypearl, Texas, to Gurlin “Gus” Ellis and Mary Ellis. She was the eldest of six children. As a young teenager, she moved to Dallas to live with her aunt and uncle ,Molly and Dale Williams. It was there that she met James “Jim” Willbanks, whom she later married in 1951. From an early age, Nella began her walk with Jesus. She faithfully maintained a daily devotional time, studying the Bible and learning Scripture throughout her life. Although she attended Pollard Methodist Church with her husband, Jim, for many years, she was also involved in the Women’s Bible Study and was a member of the Women’s Circle at Marvin Methodist Church. Nella was active in her community and enjoyed a full social life. For many years, she played Mahjong weekly with a cherished group of friends. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society and especially enjoyed gathering for monthly luncheons whenever the occasion arose. Nella was deeply devoted to her family and found great joy in supporting those she loved. She was a steadfast partner to her husband throughout his career as a General Motors executive, embracing that role with grace, pride, and dedication. She took special pride in being the consummate GM spouse, offering warmth, support, and strength wherever she was needed. Nella’s love of books and reading made her work as a librarian at Tyler Junior College one of her proudest accomplishments. She served there for 26 years until her retirement in 2004. During her time at TJC, she was a member of the Alpha Eta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society, where she served as recording secretary. She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Willbanks; her brothers, Gurlin “GG” Ellis and Don Edwin Ellis; and her sisters, Maggie Templin and Virginia Ann Kinsala. Left to cherish her memory are her brother, Rufus James Ellis of Las Vegas, Nevada; her sons, Geoffery Willbanks and wife Pattie, and Kevin Willbanks and wife Cindy; her daughter, Melissa Callahan and husband Larry of Tyler, Texas; her grandchildren, Geoffrey Clinton Willbanks, Nicholas Jarrett and wife Leslie, and Brittney Willbanks; and her beautiful great-granddaughters, Holloman “Holly” Jarrett and Ellis “Ellie” Jarrett. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and two special cousins, Dolores Harmon and Jimmy Williams. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Marvin Methodist Church, 300 W. Erwin Street, Tyler, Texas 75702. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, 2400 S. Donnybrook Avenue, Tyler, Texas 75701. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Nella’s name to Meals on Wheels, 3001 W. Robertson Road, Tyler, Texas 75701. Or any other charity of your choice.

Nella Ellis Willbanks

December 8, 1933 - June 15, 2026