Madeline Faulkner Ellis
Madeline Faulkner Ellis, 60, of Chattanooga, died on Friday, April 24, 2015, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
Madeline Ellis was born in Jellico, TN on Dec. 15, 1954. She grew up in Jellico, and graduated from Jellico High School in 1972. She earned her teaching degree in Visual Arts from Cumberland University in 1976. Madeline taught in Jellico for several years before moving to Daytona Beach, FL, where she worked for the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles for seven years. Teaching was her passion and throughout her 27-year teaching career in both Campbell County and Hamilton County, she impacted the lives of students and colleagues alike. They adored her as a talented artist and painter who always had a positive outlook on life.
As a 12-year-old girl, Madeline trusted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and had been an active church member of both First Baptist Church in Jellico, and Brainerd Hills Baptist Church in Chattanooga.
Madeline was preceded in death by her father Joe Faulkner, and grandparents, Lee and Dusta (Leach) Faulkner, Sr., and John H. and Margaret (Newman) Mays, Sr. She is also preceded in death by her former husband, Emory David Ellis and his brother, Gary Ellis.
She is survived by her children, daughter, Tamara Jo Ellis and son, Justin Ellis, mother, Phyllis Mays Faulkner, sister, Margaret (Ron) Long, niece, Kim (Brad) Baucom, nephew, Bill (Mandy) Long, great-niece, Jocelyn Baucom, great-nephews, Brady Long, Jackson Long, and Cameron Baucom, all of Chattanooga. Madeline is also survived her brother-in-law, Dennis Ellis, sister-in-law, Phyllis (Steve) Stone, nieces, Christy (Darin) Barton and Elizabeth Carroll, nephews, Chris (Renee) Ellis, Trey Ellis and Garrett Stone, great-nieces, Riley Kate Barton and Livia Carroll, great-nephews, Conner Ellis, Carson Ellis, Spencer Ellis and Chase Barton, all of Macon, GA. Madeline had many beloved family and friends, as well as her faithful dog, Franklin.
Madeline was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, aunt, and friend. Her faith in Christ has been an inspiration to those that have known her.
A celebration of life service will take place at Brainerd Hills Baptist Church, Chattanooga, at 11 a.m., on Monday, April 27, officiated by Dr. Richard Mason. A burial will follow at Westview Cemetery, Chattanooga.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brainerd Hills Baptist Church (Beyond Measure Fund) 6611 East Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421 and Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37416.
Please visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family and view the memorial tribute.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.