Jan. 16, 1921 – April 21, 2019

 

MOBILE, Ala. — Services for Jeznette Martinez Ellis, 98, Mobile, Ala., who died peacefully Sunday, April 21, 2019, at Wellmore Residential Home in Tega, S.C., will be 11 a.m.  Saturday at St. Ignatius Church in Mobile, her home for nearly 50 years.  

Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery under the direction of Radney Funeral Home in Mobile.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church’s Marian Center.

A reception for family and friends will follow at the Mobile Country Club.

Mrs. Ellis was born Jan. 16, 1921, in White Castle, La., the daughter of Sebastian and Varina Martinez.

Before moving to Mobile in 1960, she lived in Natchez where she was an active member of St. Mary Basilica and the Pilgrimage Garden Club.

Jez, as she was fondly called by all, was known for her strong Catholic faith and her love of life, family, music and fun. One of her family’s most cherished memories is of her dancing every dance at her 90^thbirthday party. Her creativity, especially in entertaining, was enjoyed by many, as she often hosted cleverly themed parties for family and friends.

Jez’s generosity of spirit, good nature and thoughtfulness were extended to everyone she encountered. Her courage and optimism were an inspiration to many, especially after the early death of her husband, when she was left to care of her seven children, of which three were challenged. The saying, “God does not give us more than we can handle,” was her mantra and a testimony to her enduring trust in her Savior.

Ellis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eugene E. Ellis Jr., who was senior vice president of International Paper and Mobile civic leader; one son, Eugene E. Ellis III; two brothers, Jamie and Edwin Martinez; and one sister, Claudia Martinez Hobdy.

Survivors include six children, Sharon Ellis, Marcia Ellis McCullough and husband, John, Melissa Ellis, Ellen Ellis, James E. Ellis and wife, Lisa, and Thomas E. Ellis and wife, Laura; six grandchildren, Emily Dale, John Hunter Dale and wife, Rachel, Eric Ellis and wife, Laura Beth, Amy Ellis Eades and husband, John, Jillian Ellis Cardwell and husband, Grant, and Cameron Ellis and wife, Michelle; eight great-grandchildren, Anna Claire, Jack and Liza Ellis, John Ellis and Lucy Eades, Collins Cardwell, Caroline Dale and Adeline Ellis; longtime employee and friend, Beatrice Harris; and a number of nieces, nephews, wonderful caregivers and a number of younger friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Magnolia School, home of two of Mrs. Ellis’ girls, 100 Central Ave., New Orleans, LA 70121.