June 9, 1941 – April 16, 2022
Elvesta Ellis Maclin Cypress entered eternal rest on April 16, 2022. She was born June 9, 1941, to the late James Ellis and Viola Johnson Ellis. She was the fifth of nine children. She was preceded in death by brothers Odon Ellis, Russell Ellis, Lawrence Ellis, Marcus Ellis. Sisters Delphine Brown, Audrey Montgomery, and Brenda Bagby.
She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Rocky Branch Baptist Church and later transferred her membership to Zion Baptist Church, she then forwarded her membership to Union Branch Baptist Church where she served as a faithful member until her passing. She served the lord most of her life in various ministries and auxiliaries such as: The Missionary, Senior Choir, Health and Wellness Ministry, Rosemond Smith Senate, J. B. Brown Choir, and The Women’s Bible Class.
Elvesta attended Southside High School in Dinwiddie, VA and later received her GED. She was employed by Titmus Optical, Southside Training Center, Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company and later retired from Central State Hospital.
Elvesta was married at a young age to Thomas L. Maclin, Sr. and out of that marriage she had two children, Archienette Maclin White and Thomas L. Maclin, Jr. That marriage dissolved and while employed at Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company, she met Robert L. Cypress, Jr. and they were married on August 3, 1974. He brought three children into the marriage Otelia C Macon, Delicia Rudolph, and Robert L. Cypress III.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories her husband of 47 and a half years Robert L. Cypress, Jr; one brother, Elmer Ellis “also known as Fuzzy” (Laverne) of Richmond VA; five children, Archienette Maclin White of Chesterfield, VA, Thomas L. Maclin, Jr. (Rita) of North Carolina, Otelia C. Macon (Arthur) of Chester VA, Delicia Rudolph of Chester VA, and Robert L. Cypress, III (Bernice) of Kileen, TX; two sisters-in-law, Dellyne Samuel (Dr. James R.) of North Carolina, and Belinda Cypress (Jerry, who is Deceased) of Davenport FL; ten grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Homegoing service will be held 1 P.M., on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Union Branch Baptist Church, 3356 Union Branch Road, Petersburg, VA., 23805. Rev. Dr. Archie German, eulogist and Rev. Dr. Andrew White, Sr., officiate. Interment will follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park, 7324 Church Rd., Petersburg, VA.
Public visitation will be held 10-8 P.M., Friday, April 22, 2022 at the Chapel of Bland Funeral Home, Petersburg, VA.
For the health and safety of attendees, masks are required at all visitations and services. Please adhere to social distancing guidelines.
The funeral arrangements for Mrs. Elvesta Cypress have been entrusted to the caring professionals at Bland Funeral Homes, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg, VA., 804.732.7841. www.blandfuneralhomes.com