OAK ISLAND — Alvania Taylor Ellyson, 89, of Oak Island, NC, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Southport Health and Rehabilitation Center.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 pm on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Peacock – Newnam & White Funeral Home, with a funeral service following at 3:00 pm. Inurnment will follow the service at Cape Fear Memorial Park Cemetery.
“Ms. Al” as she was called by many who knew her, was a worker and organizer, always striving to help others. Born in Columbia, NC she met her first husband, John Taylor, when she was 18 and they were married shortly thereafter on October 31st, 1952. After her three children reached school age, she went to work as a secretary for Fayetteville Public Works Commission for 10 years and then for Monsanto for 30 years.
After retiring, she and John relocated to Brunswick County where Alvania was the pianist for First Baptist Church of Sunset Harbor. She later served at First Baptist Church Oak Island as secretary, leader and organizer of the kitchen team, and helped with many other missions. She was deeply devoted to her family and her faith, and this shone through her life. Alvania took great care of John in his later years, and after his passing found love again with her second husband, Donald Ellyson, tying the knot at the age of 80. Don was truly a gift to both her and her family, cooking delicious meals and making sure she was well looked after.
Alvania is survived by her husband, Donald Ellyson; children Caroljane Taylor Scott (Billy), Susan Taylor (Jack), Randy Taylor (Jackie); her grandchildren Jennifer Isenhour (Justin), Jamison Sears (Zack), Jocelyn Jackson (Tom) and Candace Wade (Ryan); and 5 (soon-to-be 6) great-grandchildren. Alvania was preceded in death by her first husband, John, and brothers, Bobby and Linwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to SOAR (Southport / Oak Island Animal Rescue) 3376 St. Charles Place SE, Southport, NC 28461 or to First Baptist Church of Oak Island, 4608 E. Oak Island Dr, Oak Island, NC, 28465.
Online condolences may be made here.
