Nina Ellis

EAST PRAIRIE -- Nina Martha Ellis, 84, died Nov. 12, 2011.

Born March 31, 1927, to the late Robert Lee and Oma Mae Douglas, she taught Sunday school for many years at Free Pentecostal Church where she also played the piano and was a member of the choir. She worked at Prairie Manufacturing Company until her retirement in 1989.

On Oct. 25, 1943, she married Harold Ellis who preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by one brother Finley Douglas, and four sisters, Mildred Douglas, Rose Douglas LaMear, Stella Douglas Jernigan and Juanita Douglas Daddona.

Survivors include: two daughters, Linda Darlene Stewart of Sarasota, Fla., and Kathy Lynn Ditto of East Prairie; one son, Harold Ronald Ellis of East Prairie; one sister, Lula Belle Douglas of East Prairie; and two grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Services were conducted today at the Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie with Eric McGruder, Mike Johnson and Bob Rich officiating.

Burial followed in the Dogwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers were: Darren Haney, Mike Ray, David Brown, Finley Brown, Raymond Ellis, Steve Ellis and Tommy Smotherman.

Honorary pallbearers were Billy Ditto, Shelby Ellis, Arthur Brown, Wildon Jernigan, Keith McCutchen, Gerald and Donnie Nettles and John Ellis.

Online condolences can be made at www.shelbyfuneral.com.