Obituary of WARREN D ELLIS

Warren Douglas Ellis, born August 15th, 1958, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 18th, 2019. A lifelong resident of Newark, NJ, Warren graduated from Vailsburg High School where he was a superior athlete, making All City playing defensive end on the football team and excelling on the wrestling team. Hesang in the chorus and was a member of the National Honor Society, ranking third in his senior class. 

After high school, Warren attended the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, earning a Bachelors’ in Fine Arts. He was renowned both in and out-of-school for his brilliant artwork and magnificent murals. One of his more famous paintings, a portrait of Curtis Sharpe, won him an interview on the Current Affairs tv show. He had exhibits throughout NJ, from Newark to Atlantic City. His passion for art continued as he worked as an art teacher in Newark Public Schools, fostering talent in other aspiring artists. 

More than just an amazing artist, Warren was also a tremendous singer. He loved to sing and showcase his powerful voice. From singing lead in the Eltones with his sisters as a young boy to singing in an opera entitled “The Vagabond Kings” at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, Warren was a natural entertainer and man of many talents. 

A veteran of the US Army National Guard, Warren is preceded in death by his parents, Alma & Lal (also a US Army veteran), brother Lemeul, and sisters Carolyn Blanding and Madelene Reaves. He is survived by his four sisters and three brothers-in-law: Cassandra Opara,LaRel & Elliot Scudder, Joyce & George Gerstorfer, and Patricia Ellis & Michael Brown; his four sons (from a previous marriage with Karen Wimberley) and two daughters-in-law: Corey Wimberley, Admiral Wimberley, Nicholas & Jocelyn Wimberley, and Almus & Karoline Wimberley; nine grandchildren; and a host of loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

“Life is short, but art is forever.” ~ Cicero

Warren, your laughter and smile will always be missed;

but through your art, you will live on forever.