Ellen Lewis Fortas
MEMPHIS - On January 20th, 2023, a clear afternoon in Memphis, Tennessee, Ellen Lewis Fortas, cherished wife, mother and friend, left us at the too young age of 53.
Ellen was born on May 15, 1969, to Cornelia Fitzgerald and John South Lewis. She was born in Huntsville, Alabama, but spent a good part of her childhood in Houston, Texas along with her twin sister Anne Lewis Gamble. Ellen graduated from Huntsville High School and started Rhodes College in 1987, where she was member and President of Kappa Delta Sorority. Ellen graduated from Rhodes in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Ellen lived in Nashville for several years after attending college, returning to Memphis in 2002.
On March 1, 2003, Ellen married Miles Slocum Fortas of Memphis. They were blessed with two sons, Jackson Slocum and William Truxtun.
Ellen’s professional career included roles at Pricewaterhouse, Gaylord Entertainment, WM Barr and The Labry Companies and LB Technology, Inc. where she served as Chief Financial Officer.
Ellen loved her family and friends, service to her community, supporting her boys in their endeavors, the Junior League of Memphis and Memphis University School. She also enjoyed running, shopping, wine and coffee, usually with her twin sister Anne. She also loved her work, the beach, and our Lord and Savior.
Ellen was preceded in death by her mother, Cornelia. Missing her are her father, John, her husband Miles, her sons Jack and Will, her sister, Anne, Anne’s children, Charlie and Caroline, her brother Jay Lewis his wife and daughters, Kristyn, Ginger and Cate, her aunt Muriel Fitzgerald, her aunt Raven Lewis, and a large family of other uncles, aunts and cousins who loved her dearly.
Ellen is our inspiration. She reminds us of the good in the world, and we take peace in knowing we will be with her again.
A service honoring her life with be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Wednesday January 25, 2023, at 2:00pm. Visitation will begin at 12:30pm in the Church parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to the Junior League of Memphis, St. John’s Episcopal Church, or Memphis University School.