WILMINGTON — Ellen Vann Pearsall, 77, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on June 8th with her family by her side.
Ellen was born on December 12, 1947, in Durham, North Carolina to the late Arthur and Joanne Gmaz Vann. She attended Salem College and graduated from Duke University in 1969. While living in Southern Pines, North Carolina and raising her two children, Ellen’s love of cooking and entertaining led her to establish and run the Market Place Restaurant for over two decades. She created a landmark destination in the process. There, Ellen was a member of the Country Club of North Carolina where she developed a lifelong love of tennis.
In 2004, Ellen married her beloved Philip Pearsall who predeceased her in January 2025. Phillip was the love of her life. She and Phillip lived in Pinehurst, North Carolina before moving to their residence in Landfall in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Together, she and Phillip shared an expansive view of the world. Their travels took them to Africa, the Far East, Europe, Antarctica, the Galapagos, and other destinations. Ellen’s love of tennis continued at the Landfall Country Club, where golf also became a sport she enjoyed. She cherished the friendships she made both on the court and on the course.
Ellen is remembered for her graciousness, warmth, sense of style and beauty and her love of art. She and Phillip became active members of the Landfall community and New Hanover County at large. Her philanthropy was centered around the unhoused, underfed and the support of institutions who created opportunities for individuals who might not otherwise have had them.
Ellen is survived by her beloved children, Gregory V. Austin of Pinehurst, NC and Ashley A. Kelly of Raleigh, NC, and her beloved granddaughter Lily Elizabeth Austin. She is also survived by her nine siblings, Susan V. Galluzzo, Sarah V. Wyne, Gooche V. Stricklin, Liza V. Smith, H. Wood Vann, Peter L. Vann, Amy V. Efland, John M. Vann, and David A. Vann. She is also survived by her stepsons Keith Pearsall, David Pearsall and their children. She is predeceased by two siblings, Arthur Vann lll and Cynthia A. Vann.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Eden Village of Wilmington NC, The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina or any charity of your choosing.
