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Click here to view funeral program of Shameka Ellis Stephens.

Shameka Ellis Stephens , a radiant beam of light from Spotsylvania, VA, began her celestial journey on July 6, 2024. Born on April 11, 1979, to the late Richard Ellis Jr. and MaryAnn Syrkes Ellis of Spotsylvania, Virginia. Shameka was a harmonious melody that resonated within the hearts of all who knew her. Her melodious voice, an instrument of tranquility, found its home in the choir of Mount Gilliam Baptist Church in Louisa, VA. As Maya Angelou once said, "Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness." And so it was for Shameka, whose voice provided a solace for many.

In 1997, Shameka graduated from Spotsylvania High School and pursued her passion in healthcare. She earned her degree as a Surgical Technician from a technical college and dedicated over a decade of her life to serving in the surgical units of Mary Washington Hospital and Arlington Hospital Center. Her colleagues cherished her not only for her exceptional professional skills, but also for her effervescent personality. As she gracefully navigated through the highs and lows of her career, she embodied the words of Hippocrates: "Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity."

Beyond her work, Shameka found joy in the art of stand-up comedy. Her infectious laughter graced the stages of the renowned DC improv and many other local clubs. But of all her achievements, her pride and joy were her children, Shamari, Khalil, Aryann, and Khamia Ellis. Together with her devoted husband, William Stevens, they created a tapestry of beautiful memories, woven with love and joy.

Shameka is survived by her mother, MaryAnn Ellis; her beloved husband, William Stephens; her older brother, Richard Ellis and his wife Timeka; and her younger sister, Maritta Ellis. She also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, many cousins, and close friends, all of whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Ellis Jr.

In the words of Kahlil Gibran, "When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." Shameka was indeed a delight, a vibrant spirit whose laughter and love will live on in the hearts of those she touched. She would want us not to mourn, but to celebrate her life, to remember the good times, and to continue the party. Please share your memories, stories, and photos of Shameka on her memorial page, so we can all celebrate her life and keep her spirit alive. Till we meet again, our beloved Shameka.

To the Ellis Stephens family, we at D. D. Watson offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences. Our prayer continues to be that your abiding faith in God will lend to you a measure of comfort that will strengthen and sustain you during your time of sorrow.