Dorothy Dolores Ellis

DOROTHY D. ELLIS

August 5, 1955,         March 15, 2022

Sunrise                       Sunset

Dorothy Dolores Ellis was born on August 5, 1955, in West Helena, Arkansas.

She accepted Christ in her life and was baptized at an early age.

After graduating from Barton High School in 1973, Dorothy attended the University of Central Arkansas where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Dorothy relocated to Los Angeles, CA in 1978 . She moved to San Francisco, CA where she obtained a Masters in Broadcast Journalism with a Minor in Negotiation. She used her broadcast journalism background in her work on a nationally syndicated medical television show broadcast by ABC - KGO TV, along with other  freelance and independently produced programs.

Dorothy’s professional passion, however, was for providing critical healthcare services. She served in the critical care and trauma units of the University of Arkansas Medical Center.

It was her zeal for providing the best possible healthcare that, for over 45 years, drove her to learn, achieve, and to help others in her profession to do likewise. Through her steadfast leadership skills, she founded and operated Dialysis Nurses and Associates (DNA) in 1989. Three years later she merged her company with BAC Dialysis.  Under her inspirational leadership the company grew and thrived, providing world class dialysis treatment to over 12,000 patients per year throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Most recently, she enrolled in a doctoral program at Walden University, joined Califa Arts, and served as a Business Consultant for Geriatric Care Provider, LLC.

She received achievement awards from across the United States for her service including:  ANNA – American Nephrology Nurses’ Association; ASFA – American Society for Apheresis; Certificate of Appreciation from the University of Central Arkansas African American Alumni Association for Philanthropy Nursing Scholarships; Executive Board Lupus LA, Executive Secretary; Spirit of Hope Award for Contribution to LUPUS LA 2004; Commemorated by Congressman Adam Schiff, Community Leader 2009; and the Marathon Committee in 2010 when she completed the marathon.

In February 1976, Dorothy was one of seven charter members of the Gamma Eta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She supported and encouraged many young ladies to become phenomenally successful young woman with an emphasis on character and virtue.

Dorothy was an avid reader as well as a world traveler. From ballroom to Tango dancing in the streets of Argentina, to high fashion shopping in Dubai with one of her dearest friends, exploring God's beautiful masterpiece was an incredible joy of her life.

She was very fond of exotic cars, watching movies, hiking along her Hollywood Canyons, wandering through antique stores and flea markets, attending gourmet cooking classes, sharing recipes and healthy alternatives with family and friends, as well as meditating on the blessings of life were all past times she genuinely enjoyed. She loved life and lived it to it's fullest measures.

If you know anything about Dorothy D. Ellis, it was her extreme love for pets and animals. At times, she called herself the "animal whisperer". Her rescue dogs were her "fur babies". They were as much a part of her as she was to them.

An essential part of Dorothy’s journey was her battle with Lupus, which she was diagnosed with at the age of twenty-eight.  She never lost her joy or her faith. She was a true warrior.

Dot's first love was God. She also deeply treasured her family and her family treasured her very much.

She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Everlina Ellis-Jones; her pets, Foxy and Mint.

While her work on earth is done, she leaves to mourn her passing O.C. Ellis Sr. of Detroit, MI, Willie Jones of Lexa, AR, Ella Mae Dorsey (Earnest) , Nina Camp-Jamerson (Calvin), O.C Ellis Jr. , Liz Butler (Al, deceased) Pierre  Ellis (Marie), her "fur baby" Manni, Natasha M. Dyer, extended blended family & siblings,  a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, a goddaughter, incredible close friends and colleagues who will miss and cherish her memories until the end of days.

“My life is my journey with God. Life’s journey may be hard sometimes, but I am assured that with God it will all be worth it.”

Please join us in supporting Lupus LA and honoring Dorothy's memory by making a donation using this link:

https://web.charityengine.net/dorothy-ellis

Arkansas Memorial

Saturday, April 2, 2022

Los Angeles Celebration

Sunday, May 1, 2022