Judy Ellison's Obituary
Judith Kay Hankins Ellison, 77, died of heart and kidney failure December 3, 2021, at home on Lake Norman in Davidson, NC with family by her side. Born in Jacksonville, FL, Judy was the eldest child of the late Julius Elias Hankins Jr. and Dorothy Davis Hankins of Charlotte, NC. She was predeceased by brother Gary Spencer Hankins in 1987. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Charles Gary Ellison; son Brandon Derek (Samantha) Ellison of Rock Hill, SC with expected grandchild; brother J.E. "Chip" (Marsha) Hankins III of Fort Collins, CO; brother David Scott Hankins of Atlanta, GA; and, nieces Maggi (Nate) Brown, Mallory Hankins and Emma Hankins.
Judy's family church home was Ascension Lutheran in Charlotte. She graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1962, and Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1966, with a B.A. cum laude in majors English and Spanish.
Judy's decade-long teaching career began at Loudoun County High School in Virginia in 1966, then moved to Watauga High School in Boone, NC and ended at Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas, Virginia. Leaving education, her long-standing interest in art and painting came to the fore with her displaying and selling her own paintings and becoming co-owner of two art galleries: Stage Door Gallery at the Hayloft Dinner Theatre in Manassas and Stage Door II in Alexandria, Virginia. She loved the interaction with artists in the region and beyond.
Through the years, Judy enjoyed theatre and travel to Europe, Spain, Mexico and the U.S. In retirement with husband Gary, her condo on Lake Norman was a special joy. She loved the view, the water, casual living and boating.
A Celebration of Life for Judy will be held some time in the new year. In lieu of flowers, the family is especially appreciative of Hospice and Palliative Care of Lake Norman at 705 Griffith St., Suite 203, Davidson, NC 28036. Online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com
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