Ellen Jack Lester Bailey Lusk

Ellen Jack Bailey Lusk was a pillar of her community and the matriarch of her family. She grew up and spent her life in Bud, West Virginia, where she nurtured her family, church, and community.

Ellen Jack Lester Bailey Lusk, 92, of Alpoca, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Rolling Meadows Place, Scott Depot, WV.

She was born on October 20, 1932, at Bud, she was the daughter of the late Jesse James and Julia (Titta) Lester.

In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her first husband, William Wayne Bailey, Sr.; second husband, Rev. Paul Lusk; her son, Billy Wayne Bailey, Jr.; grandson, Richard Bailey; three brothers, Terry M. Lester, Harry E. Lester, and William “Bill” Lester, Sr.

Ellen Jack loved children and teaching. She helped shape many young minds in all her years as a music teacher for Wyoming County Schools. She sparked a love of music in many more through teaching piano lessons in her home throughout her life. Ellen Jack played piano beautifully for countless church services, weddings, and other special occasions.

Ellen Jack was incredibly influential in helping both her husband and sons get elected to political offices through the years. She was a fierce Democrat and always volunteered to knock on doors or work the polls. She was a charismatic lady who could turn your day around with just a kind word.

Ellen Jack was a true Christian and lived her life in service of others. She went to church multiple times a week, prayed for everyone she met, and never stopped testifying to the goodness of God.

Her skills in the kitchen were unmatched. She spent countless hours making cakes, fried chicken, and baked ziti for her family and anyone else she could feed. You would never leave Ellen Jack’s house hungry.

Ellen Jack loved hard and deep; she left a mark on anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her, and she will be deeply missed.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter-in-law, Allison Hughart; her grandchildren, Isabella Poeder (Jonathan) and their son, Oliver, Sophia Bailey and her children, Lillian and Levi Bailey, Lindsay Garrison, and William Wayne Bailey, III and his fiance, Emma Farmer.

Services will be 1:00 P.M., Friday, July 18, 2025, at Tyree Funeral Home Chapel, Mount Hope with Rev. Kimberly Miller officiating. Committal services will be held at the funeral home and private family entombment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

Friends may call one hour prior to services Friday at the funeral home.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

The family of Ellen Jack Lester Bailey Lusk is being cared for by Tyree Funeral Home.