Mrs. Marie Cooper Ellison passed away Saturday, February 16th. She was born the eldest of six children to Hugh E. Cooper and Ellen Cooper on July 2, 1921 in Hamilton, Alabama. Mrs. Ellison graduated from Hamilton High School and attended Athens State College and Florence State Teachers College, (UNA).
Mrs. Ellison was employed as secretary and bookkeeper in the superintendent’s office at Russellville City Schools for 30 years under the supervision of Mr. R.C. Thomas and Mr. Rube Courington.
Since 1952 she was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Russellville where she served on numerous committees. For over 20 years she taught the fifth and sixth grade girls Sunday School classes. In addition she was an active member of WMU serving in various leadership roles. Prior to her health problems she was an active member of Mrs. Lily Claude Rooks Sunday School class.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Williams E. (Gene) Ellison Sr. In addition to her parents she was preceded by sisters, Sue Fowler and Betty Sibley; and brothers, Lee Cooper and J.E. Cooper.
Survivors are her son, William E. (Gene) Ellison and wife Freida; granddaughters, Bethany Ellison Malone and Alisha Corbell (Chris). In addition she leaves her sister, Ms. Johnnie Lindsey as well as great-grandchildren, Madeline Malone, Marianne Malone, Caison Corbell, and Cohen Corbell, along with numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Russellville, The Russellville Education Foundation, or the There’s A Way Foundation.
The family wants to express their gratitude to the staff of Country Cottage, Kindred Hospice and Burns Rehab and Nursing for their loving care and attention, and to the staff of Pinkard Funeral Home.
Visitation will be Monday, February 18, 2019, at First Baptist Church in Russellville from 10:30 a.m. to noon with the funeral service immediately following. Officiating will be Dr. Gene Balding. Burial will follow at Franklin Memory Gardens.
