Joyce D. Ellis, 62, of Washington, PA died on Wednesday-December 16, 2020.  She was born May 7, 1958 in Washington, PA the daughter of Alene Miller Ellis and John Dean Ellis Sr.  After graduating from Washington High School in 1977 she went on to Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. With just three dancers, she opened her first dance studio at 17 while still a junior in high school.  It later grew to four dance studios with hundreds of dancers. About a decade ago, God called Joyce to close her dance schools and continue her service to the community by revitalizing the LeMoyne Community Center where she was appointed the Executive Director.  Joyce was a giving spirit, an avid traveler and a collector of antiques. She had been the recipient of countless awards and was most recently named the Observer Reporter’s “Person of the Year,” a community award that recognizes selfless acts of kindness, concern, generosity and a true giving spirit.

Joyce is survived by her adoptive daughter, Aleta Rowe; her dog, Coco; her siblings, John Dean Ellis Jr. (Beverly) of Washington, PA, Toni L. Noonan (Mike) of Knoxville, TN, Karen Sue Ellis of Atlanta, GA, Curt Ellis of Baltimore, MD, Hikia Dixon (Hanford) of Cleveland, OH, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions there will be no public visitation or funeral service, but a memorial service will occur in 2021.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the LeMoyne Community Center, 200 N. Forrest Ave., P.O. Box 1241 Washington PA 15301 or at www.lemoynecommunitycenter.org.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Ave., Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Supervisor/Director, Susan Falvo Warco, Director, S. Timothy Warco II, Director.  Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com