Mary Lynn Ellison Obituary
Mary Lynn Ellison, 89, beloved wife, mother and friend, died peacefully at her home Wednesday, March 18, 2015 after a lengthy illness and surrounded by family. Mary Lynn was a life long resident of Bybee, Tennessee and was loved and revered by many. Mary Lynn was born on August 11, 1925, the daughter of the late Dewey Cardine Holdway and Mae (Thomas) Holdway of Briar Thicket.
She married her husband of 68 years, Joe Ellison, in September 1946 and made their home in the Bybee community where they worked side by side and raised their family in a Christian home. At the time of her death, she was a long time member of Northport Missionary Baptist Church where she was a member of the WMU and, as the wife of a deacon, helped fulfill the duties associated with that position.
Prior church membership included Centerview Missionary Baptist Church in Bybee where she taught the young adult Sunday School class for many years. As the oldest members of Northport Baptist Church, Mr. and Mrs. Ellison came to be "parents" to many whose own parents had already gone on to be with the Lord. Mary Lynn enjoyed quilting, having made quilts for her children made from childhood clothes and other familiar fabrics from the home.
Everything she did was done with love, caring and thoughtfulness. Mrs. Ellison is survived by her husband Joe Ellison of Bybee, son Ron Ellison (Susan) of Bybee, daughter, Diana Hayes (George) of Bybee, and daughter Desiree Ellison Bannasch (Hal) of Orlando, Florida; grandchildren Byron W. Ellison (Carolyn), Alison (Hayes) Burke (Brian), Autumn (Ellison) Smith (Andy), T.J.
Ellison and SSgt Sean Ellison Coppinger, USMC (Brittany); great-grandchildren Adam Ellison (Michelle), Caleb Ellison and Tristian Ellison; great-great grandchildren Matthew Ellison, Abigail Lacey Ellison, Eden Freeman, Nathanael Ellison and Jonah Ellison; brother Carroll Holdway; sisters-in-law Mary Nell Douglas and Eloise Ellison; brother-in-law James Ellison; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends as well as her beloved dog, Hilda.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm Saturday, March 21, 2015 at Northport Missionary Baptist Church, 488 Duncan St. Newport with funeral services immediately following at the church with Rev. James Suggs and pastor Dr. Kris Brady officiating. Interment will be at Centerview Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Hwy 160, Newport.
Per her request, her grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers and granddaughters as flower bearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northport Baptist Church to the Annie Armstrong or Lottie Moon offerings.
