Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

June 12, 2026

Elizabeth Jane (Ellison) Weingart, 88, known for her luminous smile, quick wit, enduring kindness and selfless service to others, died June 12, 2026, in Charlotte, NC with a tear of joy in the corner of her eye. She passed into everlasting life after four years of giving stage 4 lung cancer a kick in the pants.

“Liz” was born to 1^st Lt. Zephaniah Branch Weingart, MD and Lenora Dowling on January 14,1938 in Alexandria, Louisiana where her childhood memories were formed. Several years after her father’s death in Normandy, her mother married Eldon “Hunk” Hosford, and the family soon moved to Hamilton, Illinois. Hunk adopted her, and his influence helped her grow into the loving person she became. Liz pursued undergraduate studies at Louisiana Tech University in Drama and Speech Communications and subsequently graduated with a B.S. in Speech Education from Carthage College in Carthage, Illinois with a Major in Theatre and Minor in English. It was here that her love of theatre and creative writing deepened, and where she later served as a professor.  

Her life spanned many chapters across Louisiana, Illinois, and North Carolina. Liz was a modern “renaissance” woman with many vocations and roles ranging from: lifelong student, secondary teacher, college professor, patriot, volunteer, gifted writer, artist, radio personality, continuity director in radio and TV, and actor. Liz was a card-carrying member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). She was blessed with opportunities and adventures that allowed her to participate at center stage. Some unique acting highlights included working with Henry Winkler and Katherine Hepburn on a Hallmark Christmas movie, being cast on Matlock with Andy Griffith, and even playing a murdered wife on “America’s Most Wanted”! Liz earned Louisiana All-State High School Honors for Clarinet and Dramatic Reading and was a runner-up finalist in the Miss Louisiana Pageant. Her favorite roles included playing the lead of Daisy Werthan in Driving Miss Daisy, Auntie Mame in the classic musical Mame, and playing the lead of “Stage Manager” in Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.” After her children were grown, Liz continued to remain active in semi-professional theater productions in Wilmington, Raleigh and Charlotte.  

Liz was a woman of strong faith and conviction. In the 1990s, she was one of the first women to serve as a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC. It is here where she happily wrote lesson plans and co-taught multiple Sunday school classes including Communicant’s Class, High School Youth Group, “Reformed Theology - Calvin, Knox and the Presbyterian Tradition,” Marriage Enlightenment, and she was a frequent teacher and long-time member of the “Koinonia Class.” Liz faithfully contributed a joyful noise as an active member of the Chancel Choir and Handbell Ensemble for over 25 years at First Presbyterian and at Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church. 

Liz’s most rewarding calling was the combined role of Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Forever Friend and Neighbor. She led with an unconditional love that shaped many lives. “Bravo” to you Mom, Nana Liz, Sis, “Betty” and Liz! Your beautiful spirit will remain with us always.    

Liz was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, former husband Gordon Ray Ellison and brother Steven Dhu Hosford. Surviving are her son Michael Stewart Ellison, wife Jennifer Green Ellison and grandson Matthew James of Annandale, Virginia; son Charles Christopher Ellison, wife Dr. Catherine Brittain Callahan, granddaughter Anna Elizabeth and grandson Thomas Branch of Charlotte, NC; brother Eldon Maxwell Hosford Jr. and wife Pamela Helen Hosford from San Marcos, Texas; nephew Joseph R. Lagomarcino and partner Ben Abraham also from Charlotte, NC; nephew David J. Lagomarcino and wife Jenny Goff Lagomarcino of Noblesville, Indiana; and many Dowling family members in Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas.   

A Celebration of Life Service will be held August 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church, 2929 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209. An internment service for the family will be held in the church Columbarium, preceding the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church or Via Hospice Health Partners of Charlotte.  The extended family is grateful to all who comforted and cared for Liz and her family spiritually, physically, and emotionally through her self-proclaimed “journey home.” We wish to recognize the highly attentive medical care provided by Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte, in particular Daniel Haggstrom, MD, Allison Muncy, RN, Armida Parala-Metz, MD and the countless other healthcare providers that faithfully led her through her journey. Her loving family, loyal friends, caring clergy, and world-class healthcare specialists all contributed to her “last performance” as she took her final bow with grace, courage, and humility.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.