Ione Ellenburg Earwood Hoomes, age 81 passed away April 25, 2021. This former Fairview High School beauty is survived by daughters, Sherry Dunn (Keith) and Kim Earwood; grandchildren Cory Dunn, Grayson Dunn and Mattie Dunn; brother Bobby Ellenburg (Annette).
Ione was born on September 26, 1939 in Baileyton to Jasper Lee and Eunice Mary Lou Harper Ellenburg and named “Shirley” Ione after Shirley Temple. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband of 50 years, Dale Earwood; sister Freeda Gill Jones; brothers Fred Ellenburg and Charles (Buddy) Ellenburg.
In 2017, Ione married Clayton Hoomes and moved to Cleveland, AL. These two lovebirds felt so fortunate to find love again after losing their first spouses and would often say “we’re just like teenagers” referring to their love story and the joy they shared until Clayton’s untimely death last October. Ione’s extended bonus family includes son, Joel Hoomes (Wendy); daughter Rachael Jones (Mark); grandchildren Clay Jones (Mary Ann), Jared Jones (Chelsea), Kayla Jones Stinson (Matt) and Lilly Hoomes. Great-grandchildren, Mark Jones, Ava Jones and Emma and Jake Stinson.
Ione was a member of the Cleveland Church of Christ and a previous member of the Cullman Church of Christ, Cullman County Cattlewomen’s Association and Cullman County Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Committee. Ione retired from Merchants Bank’s main office and was often referred to as “The Bank Mom”.
Ione’s admiration for people and making them feel special was exhibited not only by her smile but also through her genuine spirit and kind actions. Her love of shoes, talent for accessorizing any outfit and fixing most anything with clothespins or telephone wire was legendary.
A private family service has been scheduled.
Pall Bearers will be John Burden, Cory Dunn, Grayson Dunn, Nickey Earwood, Danny Ellenburg and Walter Ellenburg.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Cleveland Church of Christ, 64040 US 231, Cleveland, AL 35049; the Diana Singing, 2772 Diana Road, Pulaski, TN 38478; or the American Cancer Society.
Moss Service Funeral Home directing.
