Janet Elaine Ellis

Janet Elaine Ellis, 76, of Gray, Tennessee, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Johnson City Medical Center after suffering a heart attack.

Janet was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to John and Myrtle Keltie. She learned from them, along with her 5 siblings, that life can be incredibly difficult, but God can bring joy as we trust in Him and do what He says. As a girl, she was a "tomboy" and enjoyed the rough-and-tumble life of the outdoors. But, at some point, she developed a love for the piano and was a blessing to so many congregations as she led them from her piano seat in worship. In 2013, she moved to eastern Tennessee and fell in love with the culture and mountains. She often said that being surrounded by the mountains made her feel like a perpetual hug. She particularly enjoyed the friendships she made in two Kingsport churches, including Sunnyside Baptist Church.

Janet is preceded in death by her parents, John Adam Keltie and Myrtle Virginia Keltie. She is survived by four sisters, one brother, and their families (Marilyn Osborne, Brenda Dennis, Beverly Creiglow, Nancy Potter, and Jon Keltie). She is also survived by her children: Matt (& Kim) Ellis, Alex (& Terri) Ellis, Tanya (& Shane) Minor, and Troy Ellis; 9 grandchildren (Tori, Cameron, Emily, Zach, Haley, Cayli, Sean, Caleb, Joseph); and 1 great-grandchild (Ruth).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Sunnyside Baptist Church in Kingsport.