Mae Evelyn Ellis, our dear mother passed away peacefully at Ascension ICU room 320 surrounded by her loving family and Rev. Susan Barham, pastor on Monday, February 6, 2023 at the age of 78.

She was born in Tupelo, MS at North Mississippi Medical Hospital on January 6, 1945, daughter of the late Murray R. and Vevia B. (Nee: Leavell) Owens, Sr.

She professed her faith in Christ at an early age and united with Lane Chapel CME Church, Tupelo, MS.  She involved herself in many auxiliaries and departments.  She was in the choir and truly loved music and singing.

Mae attended George Washington Carver High School, Tupelo, MS.  She graduated in 1963.  She participated in school musicals, the band and many other activities.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to Leamon Ellis in 1961.  Their union was blessed with three children.  They moved to Racine, WI in1964.  They shared 10 happy years of marriage and divorced in 1971.

Mae joined St. John's Methodist Church in 1964.  St. John's then merged with Bethel Methodist Church to become Bethel-St. Johns United Methodist Church.  Mae sang in the Chancel Choir, which sang traditional Methodist hymns.  She also sang in the Gospel Choir, which sang lively spirituals with the piano accompaniment.  The church merged again in 1971 with Faith United Methodist Church.  Mae was very involved in the church:  choir, SPRC, Lay-leader, worship and United Methodist Women.  After an additional merger with Trinity UMC in 2018, the name was changed to North Pointe United Methodist Church.  Mae has always been faithful to her church, as well as, bringing up her children and grandchildren in the church.  She continued to sing until her health faltered.

Mae attended Dominican College of Racine, WI.  She then transferred to UW-Whitewater in Whitewater, WI to complete her degree in Elementary Education.  Mae worked with the Head Start program at Jefferson Elementary School for many years under Dr. Patricia Rogers.  Mae served over 30 plus years in education.  Mae has taught at the following schools:  Sturtevant Elementary School (2 ^nd grade) until it closed; Knapp Elementary School (1 ^st and 2 ^nd Grade) until she retired in 2003.  She enjoyed working with children.  Her joy was keeping the children learning.  She encouraged other people to go into teaching.

Mae was a life-time member of the NAACP and WREA (Wisconsin Retired Educators' Association).  She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Pi Chapter.

She had a love for her children, grandchildren, family and friends.  She enjoyed listening to music, singing, reading, watching TV, going to the movies, traveling, cooking, shopping and being with her family and church family.  Her great joy was watching her children and grandchildren in activities.  Her voice was her treasure/gift.

Mae leaves to cherish her precious memory her adult children:  Jevetia L. Ellis of St. Francis, WI; Eric L. (Maureen) Ellis and Rommel F. Ellis both of Racine, WI; Grandchildren: Carlos L. Ellis of Meridian, MS; Ariel Carroll of Seattle, WA; Krystal L. Ellis and Jared L. Ellis both of Racine, WI; Great-granddaughter: Mikaya Carroll of Seattle, WA; Sister: Georgia A. Owens of Racine, WI; Nephews:  Amos Owens of Brown Dear, WI; Henry (Melloney) Owens of Carpentersville, IL; Nieces: Dorothy M. Leake of Chicago, IL; Earnestine Jamison and Angela Montgomery both of Tupelo, MS; Annie C. Hellens of Racine, WI; Step-daughter:  Yvette Y. Ellis of New York, NY and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mae is preceded in death by her brothers:  Murray R. Owens, Jr., Robert B. Owens; Sisters: Susie O. Matt, Doris J. Owens; Brother-in-law: Calvin "Bean" Matt; Sister-in-law, Cora L. Owens; Aunts:  Evelyn L. Abbott and Justine S. Jones, Nephews:  Grady Owens, Sr., Willie Albert, Jr., Murray R. Owens, III, Michael Partlow, Grady Owens, Jr., Reginald Sneed, Andre Nunn; Grand parents:  Ida M. & Papa Moody; Georgia & Charlie Owens.

Any donations should be to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or North Pointe United Methodist Church in Mae's name.

Thank you.

Family and friends are invited to meet at North Pointe United Methodist Church (3825 Erie Street) on Friday, February 17, 2023 for a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A service celebrating and honoring Mae's life will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Susan Barham officiating.

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