Virginia June Telleen

Published 2:18 pm Friday, February 21, 2025

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and loyal friend, Virginia June Chambers Ellis Telleen, went to be with Jesus at her home on February 21, 2025.

June was the youngest child born to Winfield Alexander and Delia Belle Chambers at their home in Chambers Hollow and was their last surviving child. She was also the last surviving grandchild of David T. and Nancy Catherine Chambers.

June was a friendly, outgoing child and a proud Valley Forge girl. She enjoyed a fun-filled youth playing basketball and riding the Tweetsie to town. June graduated from Elizabethton High School in 1949, where she played the clarinet in the Betsy Band. She also played on the women’s basketball team.

June married Clyde Samuel (C.S.) Ellis, with whom she had four children. After C.S.’s death, she married Harold Telleen, C.S.’s World War II Navy buddy.

June was devoted to her family and was a very hardworking wife, mother, and homemaker. She was generous, and her door was always open to family and friends who wanted to enjoy her delicious home cooking. She also worked at Valley Forge School, where she lovingly helped many children learn to read.

June loved the Lord and was a lifelong member of Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents and her husbands, June was preceded in death by her eight siblings.

Left to cherish her memories are her four children: Elaine Smith (Mark), Linda Hopson, Sheila Ellis (Dennis), and Sam Ellis; and nine grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Eric (Kym), Juliana (Matt), Lainey (Justin), Zach, Lexi, Wade, Clair, Mark Samuel, and Mattie. Fur babies Sammy and Chloe. Special friends: Suzanne Berry (honorary daughter), Pauline McKinney, Gail Sluder, Ann Revis, and Addison Holden.

A celebration graveside service to honor June’s life will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in the Mausoleum of Peace at Happy Valley Memorial Park, with Pastor Randy Johnson and Pastor Mark Potter officiating. Music will be under the direction of Stemwinder, Chris and Tonia Hughes. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday.

Active pallbearers will be Sam Ellis, Dennis Ellis, Mark Smith, Eric Stephens, Zach Stephens, Wade Perry, Mark Samuel Perry, and Sharon Culler (special niece). Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Harrison, Carl Roberson, Roy Lynn Ellis, and Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Church family.

An open visitation for friends to pay their respects and sign the guest register book will be conducted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton. The family will not be present during this time.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice Care Team of Kingsport, SOFA Home Visiting Team of Johnson City, Beth Deal at Salon West, Chris Hughes, Gentiva chaplain, friends, and neighbors for their kindness, love, and support.

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Valley Forge Free Will Baptist “The Forge” Building Fund in honor of June’s memory.

Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Virginia June Chambers Ellis Telleen. Office phone: (423) 542-2232.