Ellen Chan Lock was born near Canton, China on May 8, 1936 to Mr. K F Chan and Mrs. Kwan Yuk Yu Chan. The oldest of nine sons and daughters Ellen took on the responsibility of caring and watching over the children during wartime hostilities. In later years she partnered with US Representative EC Gathings and US Senator William J Fulbright to bring her family members to America and become US citizens.
In Hong Kong in 1955 Ellen met a young former USAF staff sergeant,Coy Lock, visiting from Hughes, Arkansas. Romance sparks flew, they danced to their favorite song “Tennessee Waltz”, and they married at HK City Hall weeks later. Eventually the two established their home and Lock’s Five and Dime Store in Hughes which Ellen ran.
It wasn’t long before Ellen’s favorite saying was, “My three sons. I love them all the same…Bill, Wallace, and Charles!” In time the three Lock sons became three families. Bill & SooHyun live in San Ramon, California with daughter Chelsea. Wallace & Kam and sons Dr Coy II & wife Dr Venusa Lock with daughter Laney, and Jon & Rachel live in the Memphis area; Daniel & Alex are in Los Angeles. Charles & Dolly live in Memphis; their two daughters Ashley with husband Solomon and daughter Kelsey live in San Antonio.
Ellen especially enjoyed traveling to see cherished friends and family around the globe to Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. She so enjoyed making and sewing clothes. Ellen, a wonderful cook of Cantonese and HK cuisine, often served sumptuous dishes for family gatherings. She enjoyed playing mahjong and table tennis with friends. Ellen was always on the lookout for videos and movies with Asian storylines. For many years Ellen helped manage tax records for the family business.
Ellen surrendered her life to Jesus Christ and worshipped at Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova. Anyone wishing to make a contribution may do so in Ellen’s name to the Bellevue Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, 2000 Appling Rd, Cordova TN 38016.
A visitation for Ellen will be held Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A graveside service will occur Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Crittenden Memorial Park, 2206 US-64, Marion, AR 72364.
