Tinnie Marie Fortner Ellis, of Harrisburg

Tinnie Marie Fortner Ellis, age 90, of Harrisburg, passed away at 9:12 a.m. Friday, March 2, 2018 at her residence.

Marie was born on April 21, 1927 in Mathiston, Mississippi to the late Lonnie and Lydia (McCain) Fortner. On Jan. 17, 1946 she married Wilburn Ray Ellis and he preceded her in death on Jan. 2, 1998.

Marie, a homemaker, created a loving, supportive home for her husband, W.R., and their five sons. As grandchildren arrived she welcomed them into the close-knit family she had nurtured. When you entered her home Marie would offer you food and you always left well fed.

Marie faithfully attended Little Chapel Church and loved to read the Bible. Many received the letters and cards that she faithfully sent, exchanging recipes, verifying genealogy, and offering words of support and encouragement. Marie researched both Ellis and Fortner genealogies and leaves extensive family histories. Her numerous quilts were often gifts to family and friends.

She will be deeply missed by her loved ones. "The Son gives you hope when this life weighs you down! Lift your face to the light as His Glory shines Down!"

Surviving family members include her sons, Donald L. (Rosemary) Ellis, Ronald L. (Jean) Ellis, Jimmy D. (Marilyn) Ellis, Gary F. "Topper" (Tina) Ellis and Pervis R. (Wendy) Ellis; grandchildren Anthony (Michal Beth) Ellis, Timothy Ellis, Paul (Heike) Hungate, Matt (Michelle) Ellis, Jon Ellis, Natalie (Bradley) Chang, Emily (Adam) Ward, Megan (Greg) Hoffman, Houston (Allyson) Ellis, Jessica (Jess) Moore, Cacy Ellis and Erin (Clayton) Gulley; great-grandchildren Claire, Kate and Silas Ellis, Jacqueline and Madleen Hungate, Maja, Zach and Cassidy Absher, Landon and Arissa Ward, Noah and Lydia Hoffman, Kuyper Ellis and Rory and Junie Moore; and her sister, Mamie Hesselbein.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Little Chapel Church north of Harrisburg. Jeff Rush and Darrell Eisenhauer will officiate. Burial will follow in Raleigh Masonic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 5, 2018 at Little Chapel Church.

Memorial contributions may be made Camp Oxford. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page at www.reedfuneralchapel.com