John Henry Ellis was born on December 2, 1947, in Chesterfield, VA and departed this life on October 3, 2025, in Wonder City Rehabilitation Center in Hopewell, VA. John was one of twelve children.

John was one of God's special people who spent his childhood in Southside Virginia Training Center. As an adult, John lived in the Supported Living Home, which was operated by Progressive Adult Rehabilitation Center, (formerly known as the ARC of Petersburg). John was employed for several years in PARC Supported Employment Program where he worked as a janitor at Holiday Inn. Due to illness, John moved from the Supported Living Home to Osage House, a group operated by Progressive Adult Rehabilitation Center. John lived at Osage House for many years until he entered hospice care at Wonder City Rehabilitation Center. He was loved by his roommates and numerous staff that worked with him over the years at Osage House. John also worked in the PARC Sheltered Employment program and attended PARC Day Support Program for many years. John was known for his wonderful sense of humor and was well-liked by all program participants and staff at the PARC Day Program.

John enjoyed attending church. He understood of God's loved for him. His favorite song was "Jesus Loves Me."

John is survived by Deborah Jones, who provided support services for over 27 years for him at Osage House and later became his "Next Friend" after her retirement from Osage House. John is also survived by numerous family members; and friends; and the Staff of The Osage House, and PARC Services. The family and friends wishes to thank the staff at Wonder City and James River Hospice nurse, Crystal Jones.

Services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday, October 17, 2025, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.