Nancy Ellis

Nancy Deirdre “D.D.” McCurley Ellis passed away at home in Robert, Louisiana, on Saturday, December 15, 2018. D.D. was born January 13, 1963 in Hartselle, Alabama. She is survived by her beloved husband, Donald Ellis; her “adopted sisters” Kirsten Darbyshire and Laura Finnegan; her cherished pet cats, Sunday and Tuxedo; her aunt, Shirley Mullins of Decatur, Alabama; her sister, Kayce Bell; her niece, Chandler Bell; and her cousins, Amy, Scott, Maryanne, and Marla. Preceded in death by her loving parents, Fay Mullins McCurley and Cecil McCurley; beloved aunts Ruth Mullins Brown; Nell Mullins Anderson; Dorothy Mullins Black; Ann Mullins Moses; uncles Sim Ray Mullins, Otto “Toby” Mullins, and Robert McCurley; and her brother-in-law, King Ellis. She is also preceded in death by her beloved childhood pet dog Luv, and her New Orleans rescue dogs Cricket and Sam.

D.D. graduated from high school in Hartselle, Alabama, and attended Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. She was continuing her education at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana.

D.D. had a long and successful career in hospitality. She was employed by Marriott International in Huntsville, Houston, and Oklahoma City before transferring to the New Orleans Marriott in 1995. She was promoted to opening Director of Sales at the Tampa Waterside Marriott in 1999.She returned home to New Orleans as Director of Sales at the New Orleans Marriott. She later joined the team at the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau selling the city she loved so dearly. She enjoyed giving back to the community and volunteered at the French Quarter Festival, the Historic New Orleans Collection, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Animal Rescue of New Orleans. Her most recent work endeavor included time with Edward Jones. D.D. was an outstanding salesperson earning many awards during her years with Marriott International. She enjoyed connecting with clients and negotiating a “win-win” for all parties. She had a strong work ethic and healthy competitive spirit. She embraced all projects and sales goals with her never give up attitude, giving 150% always.

D.D.’s southern hospitality, manners, and loving nature were what made D.D., D.D. She was a loyal and caring friend to many, generous and thoughtful, always thinking about what she could do for others to make their world better. D.D.’s artistic skills and sales ability were displayed during the past few years by helping Donald with his wood creations. She was an avid Tiger football fan and always wore Auburn colors on Saturdays in the fall. She loved all things New Orleans especially Mardi Gras and all the joy it brings. She was proud of her Irish heritage and encouraged everyone to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. D.D. was one of kind and will be greatly missed.

D.D. was a strong Christian and found great comfort in her faith. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 22, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at The Blue Crab restaurant at the lakefront (7900 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans). Everyone is welcome. In lieu of flowers, volunteer time or financial donations may be offered to the women’s services of Bridge House/Grace House New Orleans or the Southern Animal Foundation on Magazine Street.

‍