ROCKY MOUNT - Lily Grace "Tom" Cheshire Ellis, age 81, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Born in Robeson County, NC on May 19, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Henry Howard Cheshire and Martha Phillips Cheshire. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Herman Ellis; son, Richard Dawson; and her sister Susie Cheshire Scott.

She is survived by her daughter, Janet Hardison and her husband, Carlos, of Rocky Mount; sons, Larry Ray Boyd, Sr. and his wife, Daryl, of Rocky Mount, and Donald Boyd and his wife, Vicky, of Elm City; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Jane Cheshire Willouby and Linda "Buff" Cheshire, both of Lumberton; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Mausoleum Service was held on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum with Pastor Tim Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Temple, 8923 West Mount Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27803 or the West Mount Volunteer Fire Department, 7955 W Mount Dr, Rocky Mount, NC 27803.

Arrangements by Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Rocky Mount.