Joanna Rodgers Ellington

Joanna R.R. Ellington of Miramar Beach Florida, passed peacefully from this world on December 22, 2021 and entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  She was preceded by her husband of 62 years, Edward Perry Ellington, Sr. Her three children, Tori Kleinert, Ned Ellington, and Chris Ellington, spent the last week of her life celebrating her.  She was loved and known as Yaya by her 3 children and their spouses, her 9 grandchildren and their spouses and her 19 great grandchildren (and counting).  

Joanna was a devoted wife, loving mother, a fun and caring grandmother, and a gifted abstract artist.  Her friends and family alike will never forget her endless supply of stories (particularly her family surviving Pearl Harbor and the many WWII adventures of her military childhood), her witty sense of humor, her gumbo and key lime pie, her excitement for winning art shows, her even greater joy for encouraging children to discover and develop their artistic abilities. Joanna was also a 15 year volunteer who served faithfully in the chapel at Sacred Heart Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to “Celebrating the Staff of The Blake at Miramar Beach” 90 Ponce De Leon St, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 in appreciation for their loving care and friendship that made the last 6 months of the admiral’s daughter’s life seem like a fun-filled cruise.