Jayden Blake Ellis, 21, of South Charleston, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at home.  Born May 26, 2004, in South Charleston, he is the son of Andrea Ellis.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather and best friend, Russell A. Ellis, great grandparents, Mary Ellis, Malinda S. Parker, Dennis Parker, and brother (Man Man) Ajamu Gaines, Jr.

Jayden was a 2022 graduate of South Charleston High School and the Mountaineer Challenge Academy North, where he proudly led the Company as Core Commander for 22 weeks.  He was also recognized for his hard work in the 450 Club, a physical training honor received out of 500 cadets, also known as “Honor Guard.”

He was a remarkable individual and touched everyone he met with a warm and happy smile.  He had an incredible way of lighting up every room he walked into and was best known for the endless legendary jokes he shared.  He was approaching life with curiosity and made any gathering brighter with his infectious humor and wit.  Jayden was truly a remarkable individual who loved his family and friends.

He was recently employed by Campbell Transportation, a marine transportation company operating on the Ohio River, where he worked as a deckhand.  He just completed his first river trip and was extremely excited about his new position.

Jayden is survived by his mother, Andrea Ellis; brother, Shamar Ellis; grandmother, Kimberly Ellis; uncle/godfather, Chase Ellis; uncle, “Funcle”, Anthony Ellis; uncle, Moo Gaines; godmother, Christy Valentine; cousins, Lexi Ellis and Sydney Ellis.

Jayden would also want special recognition given to family and friends who shared his life with him: Dr. Alex Skaff “Big Shbeenee”; Uncle Cody Freas (Heather), Connor, Natalie, and Clair; Uncle Jeremy Freas, Sarah Massey, Talen, Selena, Kade and Lilah; Best Friends: Andrew Booth and family, Santos Monteiro and Zayveous Thomas.

Visitation will be held at St. George Orthodox Cathedral on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm with Trisagion Prayers at 7:30 pm.  Funeral services will also be held at St. George Orthodox Cathedral on Wednesday January 21, 2026, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Fr. Alex Mackoul officiating. Burial services immediately following in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.

Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.