Service Details
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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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 (2nd grade) until it closed; Knapp Elementary School (1st and 2nd 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.
Sue Gorman says
I was blessed to have worked with Mae at Knapp Elementary School. She was an outstanding teacher and genuinely cared about all her students. She was an inspiration to me, and I am a better person for knowing her.
Sending up prayers for your family. You will be dearly missed kind friend.
Justin Beaton says
I love you, Mrs. Ellis! You were a huge part of mine and my brother’s childhoods as our wonderful 1st grade teacher. You held me accountable (asking me if something was wrong with my neck when I was trying to walk down the hallway with a “cool” strut, haha) and you brought the best out of me.
And I still love fireball candies to this day because you gave them to us when we’d do well on something. I’m gonna miss you a whole lot. Love you very very much!!!!! I wish I could’ve gotten to see you. See you again someday, beautiful lady. ❤️
Debra Turner & Family says
Condolences to the family. May God comfort you all .
Angela Bester-Lambert says
Miss Ellis was my grade school teacher. Great lady! Rest in Heavenly Peace.
Anonymous says
We know to be absent from the body, we can then be present with the Lord. Mae was great in being an encourager to others. Just last Saturday I was reading some encouraging words Mae had sent when I suffered a significant stroke last year. Mae and Georgia always met you with a smile and word of encouragement. Though the last few years I did not get to visit with them on their porch in the summer, they always made sure to remember me with a card. We even got to visit in Tupelo once when I spotted their car at their aunt’s house one summer when I was visiting my relatives in Tupelo and Pontotoc. Mae will be missed, but she excelled in doing her Christian duty on this side. She used the gifts God blessed her with to help teach, encourage, and serve others, I want the family to know you are being uplifted to God in prayer. For Mae her job was well done
Sheila R Blada says
A friend that I held in high regard. I taught with Mae at Sturtevant School until it closed. She was an amazing teacher and a remarkable cook! I cherish her memory.
Condolences to the family.
Linda ivy says
Sending prayers of comfort, to the entire family, Linda (Hinton) Ivy
Patti Hopkins says
I always enjoyed her conversations. She was such a great teacher and loved all of her students when I worked with her at Knapp school. Rest in Heaven Mae.🙏
Joyce Fullilove @ Cordova, TN says
You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Wishing you the best and know you have my full support in every moment.
Evone Ashley says
Mae was a great and loving person. She always had a smile and a positive thing to say.
Tiffany Davis says
I had the pleasure of being in her 1st grade class in 91! One of many teachers who touched my heart. Sending my condolences to your family. Rest peacefully
Sandra Shelley Edwards says
My sincere condolences to the family.🙏🏾. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deloris Fields-Jenkins says
My condolences and prayers to the Ellis, Owens and Earnestine Jamison. May God wrap his arms around each of you. God’s blessings to each of you in days to come.🙏🏽🙏🏽.
Kadee Paap says
Mae always had a huge smile and kind words that touched your heart. I truly enjoyed teaching with her at Knapp Elementary. Praying for your family.
Ramona Drane says
My condolences to the Family.
Janet Vetrovec says
What a blessing to know Mae. If you heard laughter coming from somewhere in the church, it was often Mae. I learned so many things from Mae at our Wednesday Bible Study. She was filled with so much wisdom and knowledge. I love you Mae and will always remember you with a great smile on your face. Now I am sure you are singing with the angels as loudly as you can. Rejoice!
Mary Samuels says
Sending our condolences for your loss. Mays contagious smile and sense of humor will be remembered. Allow your memories to keep joy in your heart and smile on your face as you think of the joy May brought to so many.. Praying for your strength during this season of grief .
Brenda Hargrove says
Sending my condolences to the family. Praying for your strength for we know God will keep you just lean on him.
C. Earl Hancock, Jr. says
GOD Bless You Forever… Neighbor for Always…
Carl Jamison Jr says
What a beautiful soul
Searcy Jamison Taylor, Gulfport, MS says
To Georgia Ann and
Cousin Earnestine, Jamison, May you find comfort in the legacy of her laughter, singing, and encouraging spirit.
I remember her joyful nature when she would visit Mama Veve and we would play as children on Walker and Church streets.
Lisa Francois-Murphy says
Ms Ellis was my first grade teacher at Knapp. She made learning fun. I could tell you about all the wonderful things about her-but we would be here all day.
Thank you Miss Ellis for believing in your students and believing in me. You definitely left a footprint in my heart
Ricky and Wendy Bowman says
So sorry to hear of Mae’s passing. She is truly with the Lord now. Always enjoyed her company and singing at church.
Anonymous says
So sorry . U are in my prayers.
Mattie booker
Greg Butler. Encino, CA says
Condolences to Rommel and the entire Ellis/Owens family. Very sorry for your loss.
Josephine shannon says
My condolences to the Ellis family
Debbie Kidd says
Sending my condolences to the Ellis family
Dr. Jaclyn Killips-Kusters Ed.D says
My sincere condolences to Eric and the rest of the family. I taught with Mae for her last couple of years at Knapp, which were my 1st years there. She was so warm, welcoming and encouraging. After her retirement, we ran into each other several times over the years. She always wanted updates about Knapp, my teaching and especially was interested and most encouraging about my continued education. The last few times i ran into her she was fond of asking “How’s it going Dr. Kusters!” She made me proud of my accomplishments. I feel I am genuinely a better person for having known Mae! May she now bask in the love and light of God’s heavenly kingdom! 🙏🏻❤️🌹 🕊
Betty Clark says
Condolences to family 🙏🏾
Ronald Fox says
My dearest Gospel choir friend and a beautiful lady friend will be greatly missed. I’m very sure the Heavenly Choir will be so blessed to have Mae and her beautiful voice added to their choir. ( Loved you Mae and will miss you, till we meet again !!
Dennis Thompson says
My prayers and condolences go out to all the family members. A beautiful lady who always cared about her family,students,and community. 💜
Carmen Carter & Family says
Our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to the Ellis Family. May the loving legacy Mother Ellis will surely leave comfort your hearts and give you peace. 🙏🏿❤️🙏🏿
Daris J Hodges says
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the Owens- Ellis family.
Dan Thielen says
I am so sorry to hear of Mae’s passing. She was a wonderful person and an excellent teacher! RIP.
Julie Trafton says
I went to Mae’s Celebration of Life Service and it was beautiful. It was great to have many Racine Pi Chapter members who were able to come to be there for Mae’s family and friends. Mae was a valued member of Pi Chapter and I know she really enjoyed being part of the Literary Competition Committee for many years and reading the books the students wrote. She will be truly missed. Prayers for Georgia and the Ellis and Owens families.
Patricia A Jones says
Ive known Mae for the majority of my life as a child having family ties extending from when she and her family lived on Maple street. I remember her as having a gentle spirit and a ready smile . May God heal the hearts of each family member and replace their pain with beautiful memories. Rest Well Mae.
Tammi McCright says
I’ve known Mae since childhood. She was an awesome human being that always had a beautiful smile. My prayers and condolences to the family.