Norma Ellen Willis Jacobus, age 90 of Ashland passed away on May 5, 2023. A ceremony to honor Ellen’s life will be held at the Ashland City Cemetery on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Rusty Craig officiating.
Mrs. Jacobus was the first born child to Jasper Beaman and Norma Kirk Willis on May 31, 1932. She was also the first born grandchild on the Willis and Kirk side of the family. Ellen, as she preferred, was a friendly and talkative woman. She loved to reminisce about past people and events in her childhood. She especially enjoyed retelling her stories to others. She also loved to eat; she would eat her own cooking, her friends cooking, and of course, restaurant food. She had a good appetite.
Upon graduating from Clay County High School, she left to work in Washington D.C. She married there and began moving to several cities before settling in the Southern suburbs of Chicago. There she raised her family, volunteered at her church, fundraised for charities, traveled, and worked. She remained there for over 50 years. During that time, she looked forward to return to her hometown yearly to visit with friends and family.
Ellen is survived by her two daughters: Joan Hentchel (Robert) and Carol Dille; eight grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and two sisters: Martha Jeannette Watts and Clara Lois Vecchio. She was preceded in death by her parents: Jasper Beaman and Vera Norma Kirk Willis.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church in Ashland, Alabama.
