Ellen Brame Garvin

Ellen Grace Brame Garvin died on May 16, 2016 at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. Ellen was born August 20, 1954 in Wilson, NC, the daughter of Lena and Clarence Anderson “CA”, Brame. Her husband William “Bill” Garvin resides in Hopewell, VA. She was preceded in death by her father in 1957 and her stepfather Franklin R. Smith, Goldsboro, NC in 2008. Ellen’s mother, Lena Pittman Smith, resides at the Fountains of Albemarle in Tarboro, NC. In addition to her mother, Ellen leaves her brother, David, and nephew, Trey Smith of Newport, NC, aunt and uncle Jeanette and Grady Pittman of Rocky Mount and cousins Alison Frederick, Leonard Pittman and their families as well as many members of the Brame, Edwards, Pittman and Smith families.
Ellen and Bill met as students at NC Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount. They married in July , 1977 and have lived in Hopewell, VA. Ellen attended public schools in North Carolina, graduating from Goldsboro High School and later from NC Wesleyan College with a degree in elementary education. She taught in private nursery and kindergarten programs and also in the preschool programs at First United Methodist Church of Hopewell. She had a special talent for creating art, puzzles, games and crafts for her children and for her church bazaars. Ellen collected dolls, a love that she gained from her mother. Her collection consisted of over 200 dolls of every kind.
Possessing a strong faith and a positive outlook, she was accepting of any life event that came her way. She reflected attention to others, refusing to focus on herself. Her sweet smile and sparkling eyes brightened the days of family and friends. Her love for Bill and her family was unfailing. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 25th at 2:00pm at First United Methodist Church of Hopewell with the Rev. Christopher Andress officiating. The family is being served by J.T. Morriss & Son, Hopewell Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Hopewell, P.O. Box 636, Hopewell, VA. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .