Marjorie "Margie" Ellis Bruner

Marjorie "Margie" Ellis Bruner, 77, peacefully passed away on March 31st, 2025, in Decatur, Georgia. Born and raised in Atlanta, Margie was a proud Georgia Peach and a long-time resident of Stone Mountain, where she lovingly raised her family.

A graduate of Cross Keys High School, Margie cherished the friendships formed during her school days and kept close ties with several classmates throughout her life. She married Benny Lamar Bruner, a civil engineer, in 1965 and began her career at the Sears Catalog building in Atlanta (now Ponce City Market) where she did some catalogue modeling along with sales, before transitioning to the role of Front Office Clerk at Anniston Elementary School in Gwinnett County. Margie dedicated herself to this position until retiring in 2009. Her warm presence and dedication left a lasting impact on colleagues, students, and parents alike.

Margie and Benny shared a common faith from the roots of their upbringing and shared a commitment to the community they worked and lived in. That enriched her life and the lives of those around her.

In addition to her civic and professional contributions, Margie was an over-the-moon Nana to four grandchildren, whom she considered to be her greatest joy. Margie was an avid gardener, decorator, entertainer, crafter, traveler, and museum-goer. She found joy in music and cherished spending time with family and friends, especially her children, grandchildren (4), and great-grandchildren (5). The many traditions—shopping, dancing, movie & game nights, hair coloring with the girls, holiday meals, fishing trips, and camping adventures—created lasting memories and brought her true happiness.

Margie is survived by her children, Gregory and Kimberley, her sons-in-law Thomas Pickens and Michael Pelaia, all of Georgia; her grandchildren Chris Pickens (Kari) of Monroe, GA, Michael Bruner of St. Petersburg, FL, Victoria “Tory” Reeder (Jake) of Seymore, Tennessee, and Hannah Lee (Josh) of Monroe, GA; and her great-grandchildren Casen, Callie, Wyatt, August, and Brooks. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Monte Bruner of Alma, GA. Margie was predeceased by her beloved husband Benny, his brother Danny, her parents Coleman and Aileen Ellis, her sister Donna Gillespie, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Margie’s legacy lives on in her many friends and neighbors, as well as her children's close friends, who have remained connected with her family over the years. Her kindness and warmth fostered lifelong bonds with colleagues, neighbors, and extended family.

The Bruner family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff and caretakers at the Decatur Center for Nursing, The Retreat at Loganville, Dogwood Forest in Grayson, and Emory Decatur Hospital for their compassionate care. Margie’s transition from independent living to assisted care was handled with dignity and kindness, ensuring her comfort during her final days.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, April 6th, at 1:00 p.m. at Eternal Hills in Snellville (3594 Stone Mountain Hwy, Snellville, GA 30039), followed by a graveside gathering at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://alz.org/donate).