Wanda L. Ellis

On March 7, 1955 Wanda Louise “Sassy”(Watkins) Ellis was born into this world. She was nicknamed "Sassy" at the age of eight, (hearsays has it her father gave her that name). The name was not just fitting for the woman we all knew and loved, but she embodied her sass in ways that brought us all joy, support, and sometimes correction.  She joined the Navy in 1973 at the age of eighteen and served for 20 years.  Her service included time on the USS Samuel Gumpoers (1988) and the USS Frank Cable (1993 - 1995) where she was known affectionately as MaBoats.She met and married the love of her life, Michael E. Ellis, when they were both stationed on the island of Guam. Due to Michael’s mature nature, Sassy was surprised to learn that he was only 23 at the signing of their marriage license.  It was not a deal breaker, but a serious conversation took place. Needless to say, Michael won that battle and they shared 40 years of love and partnership. Their love helped shape the lives of their three children: Joseph Bell, Angel Watkins, and “Lil’ Michael Ellis.  

Sassy retired from the military in 1996 and continued her public service working for Sacramento County.  In both her careers, she made lifelong connections, friends, and adoptive family.  She was a lover of traveling, food, and all things sparkling.  She fiercely loved all her family both blood and bond. We will miss her so very much!  

She is preceded in death by her father, William Leroy Jackson Jr., her mother Elouise Moses, and her brother, Warren Watkins and her father-in-law Benny Ellis.  Left to honor Sassy's memory is her loving husband, Michael E. Ellis of 40 years, sons Joseph L. Bell III (MJ Burton Bell) and Michael W.W. Ellis; her daughter Angel G. I. Watkins and her surrogate daughter Minda D. Bell; her grandchildren Joseph L. Bell IV, Kira E. Ellis, Jordan L. Bell, and Zander Bell; her Mother-In-Law Pearl Ellis; her sisters Dora Moses, step-sister Calina Bennett and sisters-in-law Janice and Jackie Ellis, as well as a gang of god-children, nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and dear friends.

Services to honor Wanda will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at East Lawn, located at 9189 E Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624. Streaming services will also be available using this link.  Burial will take place on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Sacramento Valley National Cemetery 5810 Midway Rd, Dixon, CA 95620 with full military honors.