Ellen F. Dooley

Ellen Flanagan Dooley of Charlotte, North Carolina died on October 28, 2014. She had the pleasure of calling Charlotte home after being born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. She graduated from East Knoxville High in 1953. After graduating high school she was a long time employee of Southern Bell. Upon moving to Charlotte she was a full time homemaker, as was her wish. Later, she returned to the workforce as a sales representative for several clothing lines at the Charlotte Apparel Mart. She was much sought after by many to represent their lines as her honesty and integrity made her a winning salesperson. If it was not right for your store then she would simply not sell it to you. If you asked Ellen she would quickly tell you her greatest accomplishment was her family. A selfless soul who always put her family first and made them feel so special at all times. Holidays were her favorite and we often joked that she could turn Columbus Day into a party. Her home was the family headquarters and she made it welcome to anyone. She loved entertaining friends at holidays when they could not travel home. They were always welcome at her table. Ellen valued relationships. She never spoke of the simple and kind acts that she did for others so often. It was just who she was and she enjoyed helping others. She knew everyone who was employed at her local grocery and genuinely cared for them often, giving them a ride home or to the doctor. She was a gracious and loving human being. She attended Sharon Presbyterian Church and enjoyed writing cards and notes to those church members who could no longer attend. The church was so supportive during her illness and we are so grateful. Ellen was predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Flanagan of Knoxville, her beloved sister, Marion Thompson and nephew George Edwin Flanagan all of Knoxville. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 56 years, Bill, and daughter, Stephanie, of Charlotte. Also surviving is her sister of Las Vegas, Evelyn Thompson and Jay Flanagan of Knoxville. Many nieces and nephews also survive Ellen as well. The family would like to thank Dr. Gary Frenette and his compassionate staff for their support. Also, a tremendous thank you to Shea Searls her caretaker for the past year. She became a part of our family and will remain so for the years to come. In addition, special friends David and Lynn Pace whose love and support can never be measured and will not be forgotten. Services will be private as were Ellen’s wishes. Memorials can be directed to Carolinas Pancreatic Cancer Fund at Levine Cancer Institute. Checks can be made payable to Carolinas HealthCare Foundation and mailed to 1221 East Morehead Street, Charlotte North Carolina 28204. We will never be the same after this enormous loss, but we are so much richer for the times we shared and the wonderful memories you gave us for so many years. You were truly the foundation of our family. Ellen handled her illness the same way she handled any adversity in her life, with true grit and determination.