Betty Anne Scala Ellison

Betty Anne Scala Ellison, 81, died on Sunday, August 2, 2020 after several years of declining health. She was born on January 18, 1939 at Little Griffin Hospital in Valdosta, the daughter of Maxine and Joe Scala.
Anne lived most of her life in Valdosta with the exception of one year in Buffalo/Niagara Falls, NY, six years in Dayton, OH, and two years in Orlando, FL. She graduated with honors from Valdosta High School and attended Valdosta State College for two years. In 1959, she married Arthur B. (“Tony”) Ellison, a pilot at Moody AFB. Two daughters were born of that marriage. The marriage ended in divorce and Anne returned to Valdosta. Anne was kind, generous, and a person of integrity. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
She enjoyed classical music, her piano, crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and most of all, the company of her beloved daughters. Her passion was dance. Anne trained in ballet for almost 40 years (until the age of 63) and was quite a graceful dancer. She took classes at different studios in cities where she lived, or visited, including classes in Valdosta. She danced in many local productions and was a charter member of the Valdosta Dance Theatre under the direction of the late Linda C. Chase. She also trained with Eleanor Strickland McGowan and Eric Brandt Nielson.
Survivors are daughters Laurie Anne Ellison, of Melbourne, FL, and Mary Jane Harrison, of Evans, GA; brother John Scala, of Valdosta; three grandchildren, Amanda, Michael, and Matthew; and special long-time friend Mark Warren. She is also survived by her sponsored child, Nikita Balai, of New Delhi, India.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jeanie Scala Kerestan.
A private funeral service will be held on Friday, August 7, 2020 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 6, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.