Obituary of Erica Ely

Erica Rains Ely Erica Rains Ely was granted her angel wings on Friday, June 10, 2011, following a six year battle with brain cancer. In the eight short years she lived, she touched so many people, and the quality of her existence far exceeded the quantity of time in which she lived. Her smile and bright blue eyes could melt the hearts of all those around her. Erica possessed the strength, perseverance, grace, and ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges. Her courage led so many people to understand that each day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories. Erica loved music, jumping on her trampoline, swimming, reading, the color green, going to school with her classmates at The Fletcher School, and snuggling with her favorite stuffed animal Toby. She most dearly loved playing with her sisters. Erica is survived by her loving parents, Jacqueline Nantz Ely, and Peter Lincoln Ely of Charlotte, North Carolina; sisters Eliza Holmes Ely, and Emma Taylor Ely; paternal grandmother Eleanor Holmes Louttit of Durham, NC; maternal grandmother Ida Rains Nantz of Florence, KY, as well as five aunts, five uncles, fourteen cousins and an army of loving extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparent Ralph Lawrence Ely, Jr. and maternal grandparent Jack Nantz. The memorial service will be 4:00 PM Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at Avondale Presbyterian Church. The family will receive family and friends from 2:00 to 3:45PM prior to the service at the Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children?s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or email: donors@stjude.org for their continued research. Phone: 1-800-822-6344.