Eleanor Weeks

Sarah Eleanor Dempsey Weeks, of St. Simons Island, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 8, 2021, after a prolonged illness. She was known as Ellie by her friends and Mama Ellie by her family. Ellie lived with her daughter, Diana, and son-in-law, Kevin Josey, for the past 4+ years.

She was born in East Point, Ga. on March 30, 1935, to the late John Wade and Lena Effie Hill Dempsey. She was the youngest of three children, affectionately known as an “only child” and very loved by her two older brothers, who were 20 and 10 years old at her birth. She graduated cum laude from Russell High School and was also named both “Sweetheart” of the school and “Friendliest” her senior year.

Among her many talents was a beautiful voice, which earned her a prestigious scholarship to Shorter College in Rome, Ga., where she obtained a Bachelor of Music degree. She spent her college summers working for the telephone company, singing with Atlanta’s “Theatre Under the Stars,” and attending the Cincinnati Conservatory -- an honor bestowed on her as the Outstanding Junior music major at Shorter. Ellie participated in the Eunomian Society at Shorter where she served as President her senior year. Additionally, Ellie sang in a touring choral group for the Third Army, traveling and performing in seven states.

In 1957, Ellie was a soloist at a friend’s wedding, where she met the love of her life – the late Billy (Willie) Nance Weeks -- to whom she remained steadfastly married for 62 years. From the moment they met, they were of “one mind and heart.” During Willie’s years at the University of Georgia’s School of Veterinary Science, the couple had two sons, Benjamin Wade and Thomas (Tad) Wesley. While in Athens, Ellie was the Choir Director at Tuckston Methodist Church, and was also active in the University of Georgia Student Auxiliary and Alpha Psi Fraternity Auxiliary.

In 1962, the Weeks family chose to make Brunswick, Ga. their new home. Ellie and Willie worked side by side to make his new veterinary practice a success, where Ellie was the receptionist and even helped with emergency surgeries. Their daughter Diana Marie was born just a year after the clinic was up and running.

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Ellie served on the Board of Directors of the Brunswick Y.M.C.A. and as Vice-President of the Frederica Academy Parent’s Council while her children attended Federica Academy. She was honored as the “Glynn County and the 8th District Georgia Homemaker of the Year,” was listed among the “Personalities of the South” by the “Outstanding Young Women in America,” and was named “Glynn County Young Woman of the Year.” While an active member of the Brunswick Junior Woman’s Club, she received the “Outstanding Citizen Award” and the “Family of the Year Award.” Ellie also served as Secretary and President of Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA), as well as the convention Chairman.

In her early years in Brunswick, she and her family attended McKendree United Methodist Church, where for many years she was the Choir Director and soloist. When First Baptist Church of Brunswick became her church home, she was an active member of the choir and Ladies Ensemble, and often was a featured soloist at Christmas, singing “O Holy Night,” or “All Rise” at Easter. Ellie was frequently called on to perform solo at funerals, singing “Because He Lives,” and for weddings, where she graciously shared her talent. All these offerings of time and talent were just that - offerings - as she accepted no payment whatsoever. Her lovely voice often reigned in praise to God, never failing to inspire. Something even more meaningful than a lovely voice was that she gave her life to God’s glory every day, in things she said or didn’t say, in the things she did or didn’t do, in the example she set for her children and those around her.

Ellie cared about people and naturally gave of herself unsparingly to whomever or whatever the endeavor. She was a loving, faithful wife, a loyal friend to so many, and a selfless grandmother. She loved a good book, a challenging puzzle, or a lively game of cards. Volunteering for The American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and The Brunswick Hospital were fulfilling acts of service to her.

Ellie is survived by her niece, Jane Dempsey Hill, nephew Doug Wade Dempsey, and her three children, Ben Weeks (Dean) of Phoenix, Az., Tad Weeks (Lisa) of Houston, Tx., and Diana W. Josey (Kevin) of St. Simons Island, Ga. She was dearly loved by her nine grandchildren -- Kevin Mitchell, Kyle Weeks, Kayla Weeks, Brittney W. Kanatani, Lexie W. Councill, Wes Weeks, John Ryan Josey, Rebekah J. Wills, Wade Josey, as well as eight great-grandchildren, and one more expected to arrive on Ellie’s birthday.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at First Baptist Church Brunswick with Rev. Jim Crandall officiating. Visitation will be held in the sanctuary at 10 am. Social Distancing will be observed, and masks will be required.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church First Praise Choir or the charity of your choice. Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com.