Darla Cheree' (LALA) Ellis

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven” - Ecclesiastes 3:4 On Saturday, June 2nd, 1962, Darla Cheree’ Ellis’ soul entered our world. She was born to her loving parents, the late Doris M. Roberts Ellis and Donald L. Ellis Sr., in Oberlin, PA. She graduated from Central Dauphin East High School, Class of 1980, and obtained two associate degrees from Harrisburg Area Community College in Business Administration and Management and in Correctional Rehabilitation. She received her Baccalaureate Degree in Crime and Justice from Albright College in 2005. She was employed over her lifetime by the State, County, and Public Corporations, which included both McDonald’s and Dauphin County as a teen, and as an adult, PHEAA, PSECU, Wheat First Butcher Singer, Harrisburg Area Community College, the Department of Public Welfare, and the Department of Corrections. Darla was blessed to have four wonderful children, Shaela, Darius, Savoia, and her bonus son, Jordan Connolly. She was so proud of all her children’s accomplishments and would do anything to help them succeed in life. She took immense pride in becoming a Na-Na and spent as much time with her precious grandbabies as she could. Darla absolutely adored Adriel and Avani. She loved coloring, reading, and having dance parties with them, as well as playing special games like “Teacups” and watching Super Simple together. Darla was the Dr. Dolittle of her family. She loved animals and endearingly called her dog, Arnold, her firstborn. Throughout her lifetime, she was the pet parent and grandparent to multiple dogs and cats. She was always willing to take in any stray animal that tugged on her heartstrings. Her stewardship was through community service. She dedicated her professional and personal life to serving others through her work, volunteerism at her church, St. Paul A. M. E. Church, and the care she showed her family and friends. She would give the shirt off her back for her loved ones. Darla possessed an exuberance for life. She had a deep passion for listening to music and an eclectic taste that mirrored her one-of-a-kind spirit. She loved spending quality time with her family and friends, especially her “sister-cousins.” Darla had a gift for making people laugh and smile, and her presence at any gathering was always a guarantee of a fun time. She loved attending family reunions and cookouts, and was always ready to celebrate any occasion, especially when it meant dressing up. You could always find her on the dance floor or singing her heart out. Darla’s smile lit up every room she entered. She coined so many unique nicknames, phrases, and put her own spin on so many songs over the years, such as “buck hunting season, necklace for the 90’s, and Na Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na, Hey Hey Hey, That’s my grandmom!” On Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, Darla returned to her rightful Father in Heaven. Her family was blessed to celebrate twenty-four Anniversaries of her thirty-nineth Birthday with her. Darla is survived by her father, Donald L. Ellis Sr.; her children, Shaela D. Ellis (Josh Campanaro), Darius J. Solomon, Savoia D. Ellis; grandchildren, Adriel and Avani Campanaro; her sister, Donnae G. Ellis Thompson and sister in law, Jeanni E. Ellis; nieces and nephews Kellen Blair, Malika Thompson, Jabril Thompson and Jalena L. Jenkins; her special Aunt, Reverend Rosemary Mim Harvey and Matriarch of the Ellis Family, Patricia Thompson; special cousins Oliver Ellis, Cheri Ali, Yonise Roberts Paige, Stacei and Robert Roberts, and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Doris M. Roberts Ellis; brother, Donald L. Ellis Jr.; nephew, Donald L. Ellis III; bonus son, Jordan T. Connolly; and special cousin, Alfred “Alfie” Ellis. Darla was loved by all who knew her, and she will be missed tremendously by her family and friends. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME. Flower delivery, 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 4, at WFD.

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Darla Cheree' (LALA) Ellis

June 2, 1962 - January 7, 2026