Gloria Ellis, mother and wife with a ‘beautiful heart,’ was 87

Gloria Ellis, a longtime Marble Hill resident, died on Aug. 23. She was 87.

Ms. Ellis was born on Jan. 20, 1925 in New York City. She was the youngest of three daughters born to Salvatore Polanco and Lucy Blackstock.

Her formative education was spent in Harlem attending IS 164 and later at George Washington High School. In early 1941, Ms. Ellis married Cameron Fitzgerald Niles Jr. To that union, daughter Andree Regis-Niles Jackson and son Cameron Fitzgerald Niles III, who preceded her in death, were born. After divorcing, she met Urban Ellis in 1954 and a four-year courtship ensued. They were married on Nov. 28, 1958. 

Three years later, Mr. and Ms. Ellis were baptized together at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church and have been faithful parishioners ever since.

In Ms. Ellis’ early years, she worked in several upscale dining establishments in New York City as a waitress to provide for her two young children, according to family members. It was during that time when she perfected her talent for preparing gourmet cuisine and dining etiquette, which family members said she shared with her friends and family unconditionally.

“She had a beautiful heart,” her husband, Mr. Ellis, said. “She loved everybody.”

In 1976, Ms. Ellis began working for the New York City Department of Human Resources as an eligibility specialist until she retired in 1986.

Ms. Ellis was very passionate about family and friendships, family members recalled. She often orchestrated family gatherings all year round. Anyone who attended her gatherings was sure to receive mouth watering food, an infectious smile and a warm embrace, according to her family. Her zest for family gatherings was equally matched by her loyalty of friendships, her family said. She was an ever-present source of comfort and support for all of her friends. 

In her quiet time, Ms. Ellis was a voracious reader and devoured several novels weekly. 

She also loved traveling, according to her husband. The couple traveled frequently throughout the United States for many decades, visiting historical landmarks, family and friends.

Ms. Ellis is survived by her husband, Urban Ellis; daughter Andree Jackson; sister-in-law Polly Gamble; grandchildren Alisha Jackson, Olson Gilliam III, Seth Gilliam, Cameron F Niles IV and Sabrina Fede; nieces Constance Paige, Sherryl Graves and Melody Joyce; nephews Michael Graves, Gary Graves and Charles Gamble Jr.; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends.

A funeral was held at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church on Tuesday.