12/6/2019
Winola Williams Ellis, 88, of Center, Texas passed away on December 4, 2019, in Center, Texas. Born February 22, 1931, in Henderson, Texas. Winola is the daughter of the late James Oscar Williams and Frances Louise (Tipton) Williams. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 10AM at First Baptist Church in Center, Texas. The family will receive friends at a visitation held prior to the service beginning at 9AM at the church. Interment will follow in Jackson Cemetery, Center, Texas.
Winola was reared in Troup, Texas and a graduate of Troup High School. She attended Kilgore College and earned a bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. She dedicated her life to teaching in public education for over 49 years.
On May 31, 1953, Winola married Joe L. Ellis, the love of her life, and the two spent over 64 years. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. Winola enjoyed reading, Native American history and her pets. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Center where she served as a Sunday School teacher and in a number of other capacities through the years.
Winola is survived by:
Her daughters:
Julia Cassard of Henderson, Texas
Susan Godfrey and husband, Michael of Robinson, Texas
Cindy Harris and husband, Robert of Henderson, Texas
Sons:
Joel Ellis of Joaquin, Texas
Jon Ellis and wife, Jackie of Kountze, Texas
Grandchildren:
Jonathan Godfrey
Jennifer Pirtle
Clay Ellis
Lauren Gilbert
Josie Ellis Harris
Jace Ellis
Great-grandchildren:
Jackson Pirtle
Cason Pirtle
Ella Pirtle
Isabella Sessions
Aaliyah Sessions
Triston Sessions
Gracie Ellis
Rylan Ellis
Oliver Gilbert
A host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Joe L. Ellis; parents, James and Frances Williams; grandson, Joey Stringer; and great granddaughter, Olivia Ellis.
Pallbearers will be Clay Ellis, Justin Pirtle, Jonathan Godfrey, Jeff Young, Robert Harris, and Mike Brister.
Honorary pallbearers are Terry Walton, Scott Gilchrist, Bill White, Jack Massey, Holden Massey, and Jacy “Moose” Clark, and Randy Carroll.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church, Center, Texas.
To send condolences and sign the online guest book, you may go to www.mangumfh.net.
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements
