Wilhelmina "Meanie" Ellis

Wilhelmina H. “Meanie” Ellis, 95, of Jarrettsville, Maryland, passed away on October 8, 2025. Born in Monkton, Maryland, she was the beloved daughter of the late Harry E. Hopkins Sr. and Rachel Guyton Hopkins.

Meanie spent her early years on Verdant Valley Farm in Monkton before moving to Madonna near Jarrettsville and attending Jarrettsville High School. In 1946, she married the love of her life, Thurman Bay Ellis, and together they built a warm and welcoming home in Jarrettsville, raising their son, Thurman “Joe” Bay Ellis Jr.

Known affectionately as “Meanie” to all who knew her, she was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She worked for 30 years as a postal clerk at the Jarrettsville Branch of the United States Postal Service, a job she shared with her sister Evelyn Yost, where she became a cherished figure in the community. Every Christmas, she delighted local children by replying to their letters as Santa.

Meanie and Thurman shared a deep commitment to community service. During the 1960’s she served as a member of the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Meanie and Thurman were instrumental and played a key role in the 1970’s and continuing for many years organizing the annual Harford County March of Dimes Walkathon for Muscular Dystrophy, helping to raise thousands of dollars for research.

A lifelong member of Jarrettsville United Methodist Church, Meanie found joy and strength in her faith and community. Together with her sister she taught third-grade Sunday school.

She hosted holiday parties and summer picnics where friends became family and lifelong bonds were formed. Softball and volleyball games were legendary in the community as was the very competitive card game -Pitch! Her warmth, generosity, and sense of humor left a lasting imprint on everyone she met. She loved jigsaw puzzles and when not watching her favorite birds either on TV (she was a devoted Orioles fan) or out of her window she could be found watching countless hours of classic movies and TV or reading her favorite book.

She and Thurman loved and enjoyed camping and spent many fun filled and relaxing days at North Fork Campground along the Shenandoah River where they became equally involved in their camping community, making it a wonderful campground for campers, families and friends. Their little red golf cart became a symbol of fun and adventure for visiting nieces and nephews, who remember those days with fondness and laughter.

Meanie is survived by her daughter-in-law Shirley Ellis; nephews George Yost Jr (Joan), Eddie Hopkins (Cristie), Phil Hopkins (Lori), Barry Hopkins and niece Valerie Florian (Hopkins); Great nephews George Yost III (Susan), Eddie Yost (Dawn). Great nieces Teri Cox, Rachael Ziegler (Butch), her dear friend and companion Shirley Collins, and many more great-great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Thurman, her son Joe, her brothers Harry E. “Buddy” Hopkins Jr. and Curtis Hopkins; and sisters Evelyn “Peb” Yost and Hazle A. Hopkins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11am at Jarrettsville United Methodist Church, 1733 W. Jarrettsville Rd., Jarrettsville, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Online Donations - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Harford County Humane Society Donate - The Humane Society of Harford County.