Kaye Sandra Ellis

Kaye Sandra Ellis, affectionately known as "Tea-Mama", 73 of Chicago,

Illinois (formerly of Stuttgart, Arkansas) died April 20, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. She was born February 18, 1953 in Stuttgart, Arkansas, a daughter of the late Rufus Ellis Sr. and Augusta Roe. She was the fifth child of twelve children.

Kaye Sandra accepted Christ as her Lord and savior at Greater St. John

Bible Church under the leadership of Rev. Ira Acree in Chicago, Illinois. She remained a faithful member until her health failed.

Kaye Sandra received her early education at Holman School System and later graduated from high school in 1972 from Stuttgart High School. She moved to Chicago, Illinois to pursue a career in cosmetology at Wilfred Academy of Hair and Beauty Culture and graduated in 1985. This passion for hair care led her to become a loved beautician at "One Stop Beauty Shop" where she serviced the North Lawndale community until her health failed. She was greatly loved by all of her clients.

Two loving siblings that preceded her in death Rufus Ellis Jr. of Alton, Illinois and Barbara Jean Ellis of Memphis, Tennessee.

Kaye Sandra leaves her most cherished memories to her two children Omar

Sharif Ellis (Jimmie Maggette Sr.) and Kayel Michelle Ellis (Russell Wilson) of Chicago, Illinois. Kaye Sandra loved her children and devoted her life to caring for them. She also cherished her grandchildren Ariel, Kuriya, Kynnedi, Omar Jr. and Amir.

Survivors include two brothers— Floyd Ellis Sr. of Stuttgart, Arkansas, and Norman (Ethel) Ellis of Memphis, Tennessee; seven sisters— Vermer Ellis of New Caney, Texas, Pamela (Larry) Taylor of Waco, Texas, Valerie (Robert Sr.) Wynn of Stuttgart, Arkansas, Gwendolyn Ellis, Jacqueline Ellis, Janice Edney, and Felicia Ellis all of Memphis, Tennessee. A special cousin she loved dearly Jo (Roland Sr.) Jefferson of Hazel Crest, Illinois and her favorite "son-in-law" Kurt Keith Jr. of Chicago, Illinois, and a host of family and friends.