Roll Call Tribute

Leigh Rainey Ellis
Mar 11, 1972 - January 22, 2022

Leigh Ann Rainey Ellis died peacefully in her home on Friday, January 21, 2022, surrounded by her family after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Leigh was born March 11, 1972, in San Antonio, TX, to Edna Faye (Simons) Rainey and David Rainey. She grew up in Utopia, TX, and made her home in Cypress, TX.

She is survived by her husband, Andy Ellis; children, Jack, Abby and Sam Ellis; parents, Faye Rainey Thomas of Cypress, TX, and David Rainey of Vanderpool, TX; brother, Dexter (& Heidi) Rainey, sister, Lisa (& Patrick) Henney; and many friends and extended family.

Leigh graduated from Texas A&M University in 1994 with a degree in Elementary Education. Her zest for life took her to many exotic places like Micronesia, Guadalajara, Laredo, Midland, and, finally, Cypress. For the last 15 years, she has followed her passion as a Reading Specialist, working with children and their families to identify and overcome reading challenges.

Leigh invested her time in family, community, and church. She was active in her church community at Bayou City Fellowship, as well as at Covenant Academy, where Jack graduated in 2021 and Abby and Sam still attend. She was loved and respected by her friends, students, and anyone who had the opportunity to spend a few minutes or more with her.

For the past 22 years, Leigh shared her life and love with her devoted husband, Andy, and their three children, all of whom she was extremely proud. Whether it was camping, hiking, church and school activities, or story telling conventions; family time was always a priority.

Leigh’s physical beauty radiated from the abounding love in her heart. She was warm, funny, empathetic, genuine, thoughtful, and never met a stranger. She was always ready to listen to the struggles of others and offer advice and encouragement. Even in her final difficult weeks, while battling cancer, she would ask visitors about any problems they were having.  Leigh always said that she wanted to be remembered for Love and Forgiveness. She would want everyone to know that no relationship can survive without those things, and that includes the relationship with yourself and God.

She will be deeply missed by all of those who loved her and whose life she touched.

The family would like to thank all the friends who shared this journey with her. We have been overwhelmed with the kindness and care given by so many from all parts of our life, especially those from Covenant Academy and Bayou City Fellowship who have been so generous and thoughtful. During the two-month battle, Leigh was able to have so many of life’s questions answered by seeing all the love showered upon her by you all.  We also thank the Vantage Hospice Care team, all the doctors, nurses, techs, transportation specialists, cleaning crews, and everyone that makes the truly incredible medical machine go.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 5, at 1 p.m. at Bayou City Fellowship, Cypress, TX. The service will be held outdoors followed by some fellowship time inside.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Envelopes for Hope (https://www.envelopesforhope.org/) or the Student Support Program at Covenant Academy (https://www.covenantcypress.org/support/)