Valarie Elisabeth Ellis

August 16, 1961 - February 16, 2022

Valarie Elisabeth Ellis was born in Shreveport, LA, on August 16, 1961, and passed away on February 16, 2022, in Decatur, Georgia. She is preceded in death by grandparents Edgar S. Bogue and Lydia Bogue, father Don O. Ellis, and step-father Hank Evans, all of whom she loved dearly. She is survived by children Molly Hendricks and husband Justin; Erin Lyons and husband Jonathan; Austin Seamans; Madison Hix; grandson Declan Hendricks, mother Molly Evans, aunt Jodi Reynolds, uncle Edward (Bubba) Bogue and wife Donna, and step-sister Julie Kyte and husband John. Valarie was an Episcopalian, baptized and confirmed at the Church of the Redeemer in Ruston, Louisiana. She explored other denominations throughout her life, but always found comfort in the music and teachings of the Episcopal faith. She loved to visit St. Mary’s in Atlanta, accompanied by either Madison, or her good friends and next-door neighbors, Shannon and Hayes. She lived in many locations - Louisiana, Massachusetts, Arkansas, North Carolina, and most recently Decatur, Georgia. She graduated from Hingham High School in Massachusetts, attended Louisiana Tech University, and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Wherever she was, she made the most of it, living life to the fullest. Valarie loved for everything to be pretty — no ugly world for her! Her girls never left the house without looking like dolls, and always with big bows in their hair. Although petite, Valarie’s spirit was tough, and she could hold her own in any discussion or debate. She was also very talented when it came to decorating and making unusual, pretty items, and at one point she owned and operated a small boutique in Laurinburg, North Carolina, selling her creations. She loved projects and could always envision the finished project or product in her mind’s eye. Valarie especially loved flowers and gardening, sitting on the back deck of her house, or just being out walking — anything to take her outside. Valarie’s world was a fragile, special place that she created — a lovely retreat from the hardness of life, beautiful and without pain. Now Valarie has reached an even more beautiful place prepared just for her, with plenty of flowers that know no season. Her family is grateful for the joy she brought into their lives. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to (insert charity). Memorials may be sent to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at https://episcopalatlanta.org/make-a-donation/ or to the Episcopal Church of of the Redeemer at https://www.rustonredeemer.com/donate