We are saddened to learn of the death of Lexie Ellis, wife of retired GCI pastor Mark Ellis and sister of GCI Australia director John McLean. For a previous related prayer request, click here. Here is a report from John:
Lexie Ellis died in the early hours of Monday morning, August 18, after a long battle with melanoma. She and her husband Mark served our fellowship in ministry for over 40 years. They pastored congregations in England, Scotland, Ireland and Australia. Lexie and Mark have four boys: David (partner Celine), Ben (partner Laura), Charles (partner Mara), and Edward, and two grandchildren Zoe and Sam. Lexie’s mother, Merle McLean, and siblings Keith, Peter and John are all part of our church family.
Lexie was incredibly brave and positive throughout the ordeal of her illness. She knew her life was in Christ’s hands, and was a great source of encouragement to others. She was, as Ben said, “The most positive person I know.” She had a real love for people, and took an interest in everyone she met.
Lexie and Mark have a well-deserved reputation for friendliness, acceptance and outstanding hospitality wherever they have been. Lexie never expressed self-pity, but in her inimitable style “got on with it” throughout her illness and operations, continuing to express concern and care for others.
Mark and the family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, and the many messages of support and comfort. We thank God for Lexie’s life and for the wonderful human being we were blessed to know. In the words of a fellow pastor, “She was such a beautiful person, and will be greatly missed by so many.”
Cards can be sent to:
Mark EllisOscar on Main
Unit 15
1 Hughes Ave
Main Beach
Qld 4217
Australia
Dear Mark and family,
We remember you and Lexie so well from our AC Bricket Wood days so long ago. Lexie was always so friendly and outgoing and such a special person. Please know we are grieving your loss along with you.
Don & Alix
Dear Mark,
We are so very sorry to hear about Lexie’s passing away. Our hearts are with you and the entire family as you all face a void that cannot be filled. Precious memories will hopefully ease the pain and point towards the reality we all eagerly await in the coming glorious resurrection.
May our loving Father comfort and encourage you.
In Christ,
Santiago and Elke
Forty years ago this week, I departed Scotland for Canada after serving as Ministerial Trainee for you and Lexie for almost a year (and with David Bedford in Ireland half-time). Besides our years in Bricket Wood together, I so well remember Lexie’s wonderful smile and laugh as we served together. It was truly a joy to walk into your home and know that I would be greeted by both of you as though I was a long-lost friend. My prayers will be with you and the family, Mark! God bless you!
Dear Mark — I have been holding you and Lexie in my prayers for some years now. It seems such a short time ago we were freshmen together in Bricket Wood, and over the years Lexie has always been the same bright, friendly, charming girl she was when we first met. She will be greatly missed by those of us blessed to know her in this life. Now we can only look for a reunion in the life to come. I count it a privilege to have known you both and I’ll be remembering you in the weeks to come. May our Lord comfort you and your family.
Dear Mark,
On behalf of all your friends in Ireland, I’d like to express our sincerest sympathy to you the boys and John on the passing of your beautiful wife Lexie. I feel very privileged to have spent many wonderful times at your home in Bray Co. Wicklow and to have been nurtured by your pastorship during your stay in Ireland. May our loving Father bless and sustain you all at this sad time.
Ray Jordan Dublin Congregation
Dear Mark,
So sorry to hear of the death of your dear wife, Lexie. I remember well when you both came to help in Ireland on graduation. Also remember how you learned there is no such thing as a “one hour visit” in Ireland. Plus the time you were almost arrested for having some areas in Belfast marked on your map which a policeman saw through the car window. But you no doubt have many more memories of your life with Lexie and may these sustain you at this sad time as we all look forward to the wonderful time ahead of our life with our loved ones and our Elder Brother. I’ll let Carol know of Lexie’s passing, but she gleans a lot of information on Facebook.
Our prayers are with you at this time.
HELLO MARK AND FAMILY, SO TO HEAR OF THE DEATH OF LEXIE YOUR DEAR WIFE . I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YOU AND THE
FAMILY. LOVE AND GOD BLESS FROM Trevor Coverdale NORTH LONDON CONGREGATION ENGLAND .
Dear Mark
Was so sad at hearing of Lexies’ passing.
Thinking of and praying for you
pk