Our dearly beloved mother and grandmother, Eleanor E. Witham, Ph.D. ("Dr. Ellie) born July 24, 1933, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, passed peacefully at home in New Smyrna Beach, Jan. 23, 2023, surrounded by family and loved ones.  She was dearly loved by all who knew her, and she cherished her family and friends.  She was a self-made woman who was always researching and reading and believed in life-long learning of all kinds. Previously she owned and operated her own private school for young children in Tidewater, Virginia, which she built from the ground up with sheer will and determination based on her love for children and education.  She traveled all over the world, including the far East and Europe, and throughout United States.  Her favorite place was San Diego, California.  After retiring and moving to New Smyrna Beach, in 1992, she had her own private counseling practice for 30 years.   She was a long-time member of the Edgar Cayce Foundation (ARE) in Virginia Beach.   Her love and goodness touched many lives.

Ellie is pre-deceased by her mother, Mary Spruill, two brothers, Edward and Irvin, and two sisters, Mary Faye and Carol Lee.  She is survived by daughters: Sandra Witham, Lakeland, Georgia; Dianne Trayer, South Daytona; and Donna Huntington, Edgewater, Florida.  She has seven grandchildren:  Dallas Trayer, Lindsey Huntington, James Staten, Drew Trayer, Dustin Huntington, Randy Huntington and Alexandra Witham. She has 8 great grandchildren.  She leaves behind her brother, Kenneth Spruill, and sisters Marjorie Fritzius and Martha Schnelker, She loved her family dearly.

Our mother (aka Elliemom) is loved so very much and is missed greatly. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength.

There will be a Celebration of Life held for immediate family members at 1806 Bayview Drive, New Smyrna Beach, on Sunday, March 5, 2023.  Immediately following at 2:00 p.m., friends and dear ones are invited to pay their respects and visit with family members.