Mary Elizabeth was born in Panama City, Florida on September 8, 1943 to Herbert Wesly and Myrtle Eunice McKinnon. She graduated from Vernon High School in Vernon, Florida in 1961. She married Bobby Ray Ellis on November 10, 1961 in Chipley, Florida.
Mary Elizabeth worked as a computer consultant for the Department of Justice for over 25 years before retiring in 2005.
She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years; daughters, Lisa Ellis Walton and husband, Willis Grant, of Willow Spring, NC and Donna Lynn Ellis of Clayton, NC; son, Bobby Ray Ellis, Jr.; grandchildren, Samantha Leigh Walton, Joseph Andrew Walton and Tabitha Elizabeth Ellis; mother, Myrtle Diehl of Fayetteville, NC; sister, Betty Sue Fraley-Tuohey of Fayetteville and numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins to cherish her memory.
Mary Elizabeth is preceded in death by her father, Herbert; sister, Barbara Diane Diehl and brother, William Jerome Diehl.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Johnston UNC Healthcare Homecare and Hospice P.O. Box 1376 Smithfield, NC 27577. The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the staff, nurses and caregivers at Johnston UNC.
Graveside funeral services and burial will be held at 2pm on Monday, May 6, 2019 at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 12830 US-70 Bus. Hwy. W. Clayton, NC 27520 with Pastor Scott Johnson of Stones Creek Advent Christian Church in Benson, NC officiating. Arrangements are by McLaurin Funeral Home.