Katye Rob Beckham Ellis departed this life on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at the age of 87 years, 9 months, and 28 days. She was born in the Big Ivy community of Hardin County, Tennessee on February 20, 1929 the daughter of the late Jay Wilson and Alta Davis Beckham.
Katye had lived in Waterloo, Alabama for most of her life and was a member of the Waterloo Church of Christ. She was a graduate of Florence St. Teachers College in 1966 and received her Bachelor’s degree. She had worked for the Hardin County Board of Education for 37 years. Those years included her teaching in a one room school, grades 1-8. She had taught at Barrier School and Walnut Grove Elementary. Katye enjoyed farming, gardening and she was famous for her sweet corn. She also enjoyed quilting and cooking for people.
She is survived by her sons, Johnny Mack Ellis and his wife, Robaya of Savannah,Tennessee and Sidney William Ellis of Waterloo, Alabama; a host of nieces and nephews; very special sisters-in-law, Delores Beckham of Crump, Tennessee, Betty Beckham of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Royce Beckham of Savannah, Tennessee, and Katherine Beckham of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; her two caretakers, Peggy Benson and granddaughter, Beth of Lauderdale County, Alabama; and a host of friends and neighbors as well.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Bruce Ellis, Jr. on November 11, 1998; and her brothers, J.W. Beckham, Hassell Beckham, Morris Beckham, and Billy Thomas Beckham.
A Graveside Service will be held on December 21, 2016 at the Memory Gardens in Savannah, Tennessee with Wayne Gean officiating. Serving as Pallbearers: Hubert Lewis, Raymond Benson, Jimmy Beckham, Mark Beckham, David Beckham, Brent Beckham, Ronnie Ellis, Donnie Gean, and Ray White.
