Helen June Mckay Ellis Shanks

Helen June McKay Ellis Shanks, of Johnson City, passed away on June 23rd, 2020, at the age of 94.

June was born in Chuckey, Tennessee, a daughter of the late Phillip Ray McKay and Frances Maupin McKay.

June belonged to Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church.

She graduated from ETSU with a BS Degree in Home Economics. She married James Garvin Ellis in 1947 and lived the remained of her life on the tree streets in Johnson City, where she raised her family. Early in her marriage, she worked at the Plumbers and steamfitters, for Trox Montgomery at Allied wholesale, and for the Jones Family at the Johnson City Press Chronicle.

June took several years away from work to raise her daughters, then worked as a receptionist for Ron Messimer at Colonial Hill Nursing Home where she enjoyed working with Mr. Messimer, her college roommate Ruby Broyles, Gladys Gaddis, Joyce Walwick, Viola Hensley, and many others.

She was a wonderful and precious wife, mother, “Grandbug” and “Great Grandbug”, who leaves behind many sweet and cherished memories.

In addition to her parents, June is preceded in death by: her brother, Jimmy McKay; first husband, James G “Jimmy” Ellis, and second husband, Glen Shanks in 2016.

She is survived by her daughters, Jamie Ellis Rowan (Pat), Melonie Ellis Norris (Paul); grandchildren, Jason Norris, Jacob Norris (Emily), Amy Rowan, Christine Rowan Harb (Nick), Ashley Norris, Jennifer Rowan, Josh Norris (Stephie); great grandchildren, Ellie Claire, Avery, Nash, becket, Rosie, Poppy, and Samuel; Glen Shanks’ children, Lanette Ward, Darrell Shanks, and Patricia Calahan.

The family would like to thank Judy, Patsy, Lois, Mary, Debra, and Rhonda, who lovingly cared for June the past three years.

A committal service will be held for June Shanks at 4:00 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at Pleasant Vale Cemetery (525 Pleasant Vale Road, Chuckey, TN, 37641). Those attending are asked to gather at the graveside by 3:50 PM. Reverend Michael Lester will officiate, and acting pallbearers will be: Jason Norris, Jacob Norris, Josh Norris, Paul Norris, Pat Rowan, and Nick Harb.

The family requests that memorial donations be made in June’s memory to Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, The River Ministry for Women, or Holston Home for Children.