Rev. Jay Ellenburg

Garner- Family and friends will gather Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, for a Celebration of Life for the Rev. James “Jay” D. Ellenburg. Jay received his healing early Saturday morning, in his home, with his wife Pat by his side. Jay was released from his wheelchair of 22 years, and is now walking hand-in-hand, praising his Savior. Born Dec. 5, 1947, in Greenwood, S.C., the Rev. Ellenburg—affectionately known as Pastor Jay—attended Southwestern Christian University in Oklahoma and Holmes Theological Seminary in South Carolina, He played football in Honea Path, S.C., where he grew up. Like his father before him, “Pastor Jay” served others by ministering most of his adult life. His first pastorate was in Flint, Michigan, followed by posts in Ohio, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., ending in Garner, N.C., where he spent his final 20 years serving the congregation of The Capital Church. In addition to his wife Pat, Jay is survived by a daughter, Faye Ellenburg Virostek of Germantown, Md.; bonus daughter, Stephanie Robbins and son-in-law, Brian, and his grandchildren Rylan and Chyles all of Kenly, NC; bonus daughter, Whitney McFatter and her daughter, Brooklyn of Goldsboro, NC; sister Kellie Ellenburg McIntyre and her husband Ken McIntyre of Machipongo, Va.; brother-in-law Donald Deans of Goldsboro, NC; cousin Kimberly McFatter of Brandon, FL; niece Kaitlin McIntyre March of Sterling, Va.; nephew Brian McIntyre of Derwood, Md.; grand nephews and nieces; special family friends Sherrill and Joyce Morris and son, Eric; “Favorite Uncle and Aunt” James and Doris McFatter. He is predeceased by his son, Jonathan, who died in March 2021; his parents Avis and the Rev. James T. Ellenburg of Honea Path, S.C.; and his stepmother, Irene Gaskins Ellenburg of Greenville, S.C. Jay will always be remembered for his contagious smile. His wife Pat, of 28 years, was the love of his life. His grandchildren brought him the most joy and were the best medicine, especially on his bad days. Jay, a beloved father, brother, and friend, was also known as a retired pastor, diehard NC State and Redskins fan. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, October 19th at 2:00 p.m. at The Capital Church, 1308 US-70 W, Garner, NC 27529. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., prior to the Celebration of Life service. Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, 3888 US-70, Goldsboro, NC 27530 immediately following. Arrangements made by Bryan Lee Funeral Home of Garner.