Stella Verbadean Ellington

Stella Verbadean "Sissy" Ellington, 98, of Paragould, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Greene Acres Nursing Home.

Verbadean was born on May 9, 1927, in Greene County, to the late Willard and Lettie (Gibson) Dial. She was a devoted member of East Side Baptist Church, where she taught sunday school for more than thirty years. She was known for her deep faith and her talent for sewing and quilting. Above all, she was a loving sister, mother, and grandmother who cherished every moment spent with her family. She was an avid fan of the Cardinals, watching and cheering them on any chance she got.

In addition to her parents, Verbadean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gordon Ellington; her sisters, Willadean Fletcher, Christeen Sparks, and Betty Lyerly; and one grandson-in-law, Mike Miller.

She leaves behind her children, Curtis Ellington, Dennis (Lisa) Ellington, Danny (Melinda) Ellington, Judy (Barry) Reddick, and Karen (David) Greene; twelve grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren with one expected in May, and seven great-great-grandchildren with one expected in August.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 5 PM until 7 PM at Heath Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, beginning at 10 AM with Terry Songer officiating. Burial will follow at Clark's Chapel Cemetery.

Verbadean's great-grandsons are honored to serve as pallbearers.