Tributes have been paid to a worship leader following her death at the age of 49. 

Holly Ellis, of Ormesby near Great Yarmouth, dedicated her life to the worship of God while working in the medical industry and as a freelance administrator. 

Her husband, Phil, led the tributes to his wife of more than 25 years. 

He said: “She was my absolute best friend. She was my soulmate.  

“Like any couple we had arguments, but Holly always insisted that we never went to bed without saying ‘sorry’ and ‘I love you’.   

“One of the things I will miss the most is playing music with her. I’ve never felt a connection with anyone else like I did when I played with Holly.” 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Holly Ellis has died aged 49

Born in October 1973, Mrs Ellis lived in the Great Yarmouth area for most of her life and for the last decade, the couple lived in Ormesby. 

They met in 1998 at a small music festival where Mr Ellis was involved in setting up while his wife was performing with a band from Gorleston Baptist Church (GBC). They married in 1999.  

Mrs Ellis attended several churches over the years, including GBC, DC3 Church in Diss and Light of Life Baptist Church in Ormesby.  

She also had a close affiliation and partnership with the Norwich School of Prophets and Lighthouse Norwich, previously called Call to Prayer, where she often led worship by singing and playing the keyboard. 
 
Jill Gower, who leads Lighthouse Norwich, said: “Holly will always be remembered for her warmth and her lovely personality. 

“She was an amazing worship leader and took so many of us right into the presence of God.” 

Friends, Val and Paul, added: “Holly was a beautiful, honest, gentle and very humble person who held a special place in our hearts.  

“We will hugely miss her very presence, warmth and love.” 

READ MORE: Tributes paid to 'adored' midwife who died aged 49
 
Finally, a close friend of the couple, Matt Gooch, said: “Holly was genuinely a different person, unique, a one-off but for all the right reasons. 

“I can't think of Holly without thinking of her compassion, understanding and non-judgmental approach. 

“Her mantra was 'be real' and because of that others could be real with her. A true friend whose legacy continues.” 
 
As well as leading worship, Mrs Ellis also had a number of employed roles during her life.  

In the late 90s she worked as a medical secretary at the James Paget Hospital (JPH) in Gorleston before working for Professor David Scott in Norwich as a PA and practice manager for 17 years.  

After Prof Scott retired, she moved into freelance administration. 

After a short illness, Mrs Ellis died on Wednesday, September 27 on the ICU ward at the JPH, with her family around her.  

She is survived by her husband and siblings, Stefan and Karen. 

The family has thanked Mr Gooch of Ripples Life Celebrations for his support and organisation of Mrs Ellis’ funeral. 

A celebration of her life will be held at 4pm on November 1 at Hirst’s Farm, Ormesby, North Road, NR29 3LE. Please email Matt Gooch or Helen Farman at celebratinghollyellis@gmail.com to confirm attendance. 

  • To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.
  • To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk