Tommie Marie Ellis

Tommie Marie Ellis, 83-years-old, died on Thursday, September 26, 2013, at her home in Seguin, Texas. After her valiant fight with Non-Hodgins Lymphoma in 2002, Tommie's battle resumed in July, 2012. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through one more year of grueling Chemotherapy and Radiation. Tommie was born on August 6, 1930 in Poughkeepsie, Arkansas to Coy and Ella Mae Medlock. She was one of 10 children. Her surviving, loving brother and beautiful sisters are Hicks Medlock, Mildred Heater, Johnnie Haley and Frankie Toddy from Batesville, Arkansas and, Billie Hendrickson of Arcadia, Florida. Tommie was known for her ease in frequent conversation and she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Her constant nurturing love, faith, and gift of joy will never be forgotten. After graduating from High School, she met her Sweetheart, Homer R. Ellis, Jr. The couple was married the following year on August 6,1949, in Harrisburg, Arkansas. Married for 64 years, Tommie and Homer, raised their two dear daughters, Linda and Sue. Tommie and Homer loved to square dance, travel, spend time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tommie worked for the Arkansas Highway Department for 10 years and the Pulaski County Chancery Court for the next 20 years before retiring. During that time she made life long friendships. Surviving family members are two daughters, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with one on the way: Linda Ellis-Byler and her husband, David; Sue Basham and her three children, Stephanie Walker and husband, Sam, and two children, Samuel and Savannah; Melissa Waterson and husband, David, and daughter, Emma; and Megan Basham. Visitation for friends and family of Tommie Ellis will be held at Griffin Leggett Funeral Home-Forest Hills, Alexander, Arkansas, on Wednesday, October 2nd at 10 a.m. and a graveside service will be held immediately after at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Alexander, Arkansas, at 11 a.m. Pallbearers include: David Byler, Sam Walker, Samuel Walker, David Waterson, Carey Basham, and David Watts. For more information, please call: Griffin Leggett Funeral Home-Forest Hills, Alexander, Arkansas, at (501)455-1067. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from too many people to name individually, but including: the Heartland Hospice Care Team, University Medical Center Physicians and especially the 6th Floor Hematology/Oncology Nurses, family and friends – either through prayer and/or visits, neighbors, and even random acts of kindness through total "strangers". Please share your memories of Tommie at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.