Naomi Adora Ellis, 86, of Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2022 at Advent South Hospice after a period of declining health. She was born January 11, 1936 in Blowing Rock, NC. She was the daughter of Jule Welch and Fannie Jaynes Tate. She completed high school in High Point, NC and attended nursing school at UNC Chapel Hill for a period of time.

While visiting her brother in Orlando she met and fell in love with a handsome young Air Force serviceman, William (Bill) Howard Ellis. They soon married and were stationed in several locations including Guam and Turkey before moving to Orlando. Naomi was a loving and devoted wife and an exceptionally tender and loving mother to her two sons who had muscular dystrophy. She was a good cook and made delicious hushpuppies and fresh orange cakes that her boys loved. She was a dear and faithful friend and neighbor.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Ellis, Orlando, FL; her brother, Dr. Russell Jaynes Tate (Anthea) , Vass, NC; and her granddaughters, Sushma Joy Ellis (24), Brookhaven, GA, Julia Faith Ellis (22), Clayton, GA, and Elena Grace Ellis (18), Clayton, GA. She loved her granddaughters very much and cherished their entertaining letters. Naomi also has many nieces and nephews who meant so much to her.

She was preceded in death by her sons, William Howard Ellis, Jr. and John( Johnny) Russell Ellis; brothers, Jule Welch Tate, Jr. ( WWII Gold Star) and John Manson Tate (Dot); and sister, Elsie Katherine Aiken (Mack).

In addition to her family, the game of bridge was her passion. She taught bridge for many years at the Orlando Metropolitan Bridge Center and was and is loved by all of her students. Naomi had achieved the rank of Sapphire Life Master. Naomi was greatly loved by the Ellis family and especially enjoyed their fun times together camping and frying fish. Naomi held her close neighbors and friends near her heart. They are all very exceptional people and were greatly loved and appreciated by Naomi. Naomi had a great sense of humor and was loving, sensitive and feisty. She loved children and butterflies and the beautiful mountains of NC where she spent her childhood.

The family would like to thank Dawn and James Seng for their many acts of kindness and Dawn Gruener for the loving home care and attention she provided.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, April 24, at the home at 149 Mercado Avenue, Orlando. This will be a relaxed and casual time to visit and share memories of Naomi.

The bridge club will have a special championship game honoring Naomi on April 22.

Donations in remembrance of Naomi can be made to the donor's charity of choice.