Ellen Cain Lancaster, 84, was transferred to the church triumphant on Monday, August 31, 2026, while residing at Friends Homes Guilford.

A memorial service will be held on October 17 at 2pm at Guilford College United Methodist Church, 1205 Fleming Road in Greensboro with the Rev. Jeremy Troxler officiating and visitation after the service.

Ellen was an active member and leader at Rehobeth United Methodist Church for many years, serving in various ministries including starting and leading Stephen Ministry. She has been an active participant at Guilford College United Methodist Church for the past several years after she and her husband moved nearby. She was a registered nurse and proud graduate of the first nursing class at East Carolina University and held a Master's Degree in Counseling from NC A&T State University. Ellen gave her life in service, first at John Umstead Psychiatric Hospital, then as a public health nurse, school health nurse, retiring as Program Manager for School Health Nursing from the Guilford County Health Department.

Having grown up on a farm in Sampson County, North Carolina, Ellen loved animals. She also loved connecting with people and helping them in any way she could, often sharing a sympathetic presence and wisdom that helped others find healing and wholeness.

Ellen is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Atlas David Lancaster, Jr., her parents Eddie Wesley Cain, Sr. and Mary Neal Cain, and her brothers, Eddie Wesley Cain Jr., David Neil Cain and sister, Dorothy Brown.

She is survived by her son, Rev. Michael "Lanny" Lancaster and wife Janet of Kernersville, 2 grandchildren, Dr. Noah Michael Lancaster (Lindsay) and Rev. Jacob Atlas Lancaster, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Like her husband before her, Ellen chose sacrificial service and concern for others by donating her body for medical research at Wake Forest University Medical School.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Guilford College United Methodist Church.