Obituary: Mary Jo Ellis

Mary Jo Newman Ellis, 84, of Lenoir City, passed peacefully to her heavenly reward on Oct. 26, 2013.

She was born Aug. 7, 1929, in Soddy, Tenn., to the Rev. C.M. and Hazel Newman. She was the oldest of four children. The family moved to Lenoir City in 1941, when the Rev. Newman took the pastorate of the Sixth Ave Church of God. He pastored until 1950.

Mary Jo married the love of her life W. L. “Leroy” Ellis in 1947. They enjoyed 66 years together.

Mary Jo’s passion was for her church and her family. She retired after 20 years with Walmart of Lenoir City.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Yvonne Hart of Oak Ridge, Darlene Smith of Morristown, Tonya Brashears, and Wendell Ellis of Lenoir City; her sister Betty Bandy of Oak Ridge; and brother R.L. Newman of Soddy-Daisy. She was preceded in death by her sister Debbie Newman Ford. She has 11 grand-children and eight great-grandchildren.

The family received friends at the Sixth Ave Church of God on Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 5-7 p.m., and a celebration of her life was from 7-8PM with Dr. Ernie Varner, Rev. David Bandy, and Rev. Charles Fritts officiating. A graveside service will be Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 11 a.m at the Lenoir City Cemetery with Rev. James Bandy officiating.

The family requests In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Sixth Avenue Church of God.