Mother Mary Earl Ellis

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15 Our beloved, mother, grandmother, GG-great grandmother, great, great grandmother was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 30, 2016 at Covenant Healthcare surrounded with her family by her side. Mary Earl Ellis was born September 1, 1929 in Sicily Island, Louisiana, the daughter of Eddie Thomas and Lillie E. (Henderson) Thomas. She was the third oldest of five siblings. Mary was married to Peter Ellis Jr., to this union eleven children were born. Mr. Peter Ellis after procuring employment at Grey Iron Foundry, he then moved his family to Saginaw, Michigan in 1952. Mary Earl was raised in a Christian home and was baptized at a early age. Mother Mary Ellis was a faithful long time member of the Lewis Temple C.O.G.I.C. where she served in many capacities; as an Evangelist Missionary, Prayer Warrior, Mothers Board, Pastor’s Aid, Church Secretary, Sunday School Teacher, Bible Band Teacher, Sunshine Band Purity Class Booster and Kitchen Committee. Mother Ellis was a praying woman devoted to her work in the home, caring for her family and the church. She also enjoyed shopping, gardening, cooking, sewing, singing and spending time with her family and friends. She leaves to cherish her precious memory, six daughters and four sons, Willie H. Ellis (Zeline), Edna Davis, Earline Sims, Mary Ann (Ellis) DuRant (Jerome), Gregory Ellis (Beatrice), Ruthie Mae Ellis, Charles Ellis (Patty), Deanna Ellis, Preston Ellis and Michelle Ellis; 31 grand children; three step grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 12 step great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mother Ellis was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Ellis Jr., one son, Peter Ray Ellis; parents, Eddie and Lillie E. Thomas; all siblings, Edna B. Williams, Vera Lee Jackson (recently deceased), Eddie Thomas Jr. and Larnell Thomas, one grandson, Zederick Sims and one granddaughter Sabrina Nettles. Home going service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Lewis Temple C.O.G.I.C., 3300 Hess Street. Pastor Fred Allen Lewis will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue on Friday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. where the family will be present from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:00 am until time of service.

Mother Mary Earl Ellis

September 1, 1929 - May 30, 2016