Elizabeth Catherine Ellis, 95, outstanding cook, loving neighbor and traveler
Her baked goods and Christmas dinners were cherished by family for over 40 years.
ELIZABETH CATHERINE Ellis was such an outstanding cook that her family said her name should have been on The Joy of Cooking as a co-author.
Maybe Elizabeth's culinary artistry would never have been in a best-selling cookbook, but it was sure appreciated by family, friends and her church.
Zion Baptist Church used those skills to help raise funds when her delicious meals were put up for sale at money-raising events over the years.
Elizabeth Ellis, who worked for many years as a private housekeeper for a family to which she became a "second mom" to the children, a dedicated traveler and a loyal friend to neighbors on her Southwest Philadelphia block, died Aug. 5. She was 95.
The friendly and charming Elizabeth, called "Cousin Liz" by family and friends, helped anchor the 5700 block of Pemberton Street. She and her buddies got together for social events and traveled together around the U.S.
"Many long-lasting relationships developed as a result of this organized block group," her family said.
Elizabeth was born in Meherrin, Va., to Tim and Addie Davis. Her only sibling, Helen Burton, is deceased.
Her spiritual journey began at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Meherrin, where she was baptized. She received her formal education in a segregated school in Prince Edward County, Va.
When she moved to Philadelphia in her young adulthood, she met and married Charles Ellis. They joined Zion Baptist Church at a time when the legendary Rev. Leon Sullivan was pastor.
Their marriage was a long story of love and respect until her husband's death on Dec. 13, 1972.
Although they had no children, Elizabeth enjoyed being a surrogate mom to numerous godchildren and two cousins.
She worked in the household of Dr. David Dyen and his wife, Marion, and was close to their three sons, who treated her like their second mother.
At Zion Baptist, Elizabeth was involved with numerous ministries, notably Group 10, the Progressive Adult Organized Bible Class, the Sunlight Club, Missionary Society and the Emergency Club. The latter group gave financial assistance to the clergy.
Elizabeth especially enjoyed baking. Her cakes, pies and homemade rolls were cherished by everyone fortunate enough to sample them.
But Elizabeth also looked forward to holidays, when she would prepare big dinners.
"Christmas dinner with her family, served in her modest, immaculate home for over 40 years, left all family members anxious to take extra plates home as their special gifts from Cousin Liz," her family said.
"Elizabeth leaves a legacy of love and precious memories to many."
Services: 11 a.m. today at Zion Baptist Church, Broad and Venango streets. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Lawn Cemetery, Sharon Hill.