Mary Anna Ellis

Her beloved stepfather, William “Daddy Bill” Brown, brought joy and balance to her teenage years giving her the opportunity to experience life on a farm during the weekends, while spending weekdays in the city with her family. He also preceded her in death.

Mary Anna was educated in the Louisville Public Schools, attending Samuel Coleridge Taylor Elementary School, Central High School (Class of 1961), and later, the University of Louisville, where she pursued her passion for accounting.

At just 11 years old, Mary Anna accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized on February 7, 1954, by the late Rev. G.K. Offutt at West Chestnut Street Baptist Church in Louisville , KY. She and her family remained faithful members of the church for many years, sharing the legacy of faith.

Mary Anna built a successful career in the field of accounting, working at Tube Turns, the U.S. Census Bureau, and Reynolds Metals Company where she was among the few African American women selected to travel to the company’s international headquarters in Richmond, VA for professional development and training. After 30 years of faithful dedication as a billing clerk supervisor, Mary Anna embraced her well earned time of retirement.

Mary Anna was an excellent bowler and won many trophies in bowling leagues, including 1st Place in The Mother-Daughter and Father-Son League. Also, she had a thing for numbers! Whether it was going to the horse races, picking lottery combinations or calling out “Bingo” with excitement, it was pure joy for her, especially the midnight bingo runs with her friends. Her vibrant personality and sassy sense of humor were known and loved by all who knew her.

Mary Anna’s greatest joy and passion was being the proud mother to Regina Ann Mincey, Esq., her only child from her former union with the late Rev. Geoffrey Ellis.

She worked tirelessly to provide for her daughter, putting her through college and law school, and making many other sacrifices along the way. Her joy multiplied when Regina gave birth to her only grandson, Antonio “AJ” McMillan, Jr., who brought light and laughter to her retirement years. Some of her most treasured memories were the visits with AJ in Louisville and witnessing his class speech and graduation from Savannah State University remained one of her proudest moments.

In 2018, Mary Anna was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. However, despite the challenges it brought, she remained strong in spirit. Her lifelong friends: Brenda, Donna, Pat, and Lois, remained by her side, offering steadfast love and support. After the diagnosis, she relocated to Atlanta, GA, to live with Regina and AJ. There, a new chapter began, filled with love, laughter, and continued bingo victories at her assisted living communities. Even after the physical changes to her body, her lucky streak and competitive spirit never faded.

During her time in Atlanta, she was lovingly cared for by Regina and AJ, who devoted their time, energy, and hearts to her final chapter. Regina, in particular, was her caregiver and advocate, which embodied the very love and strength her mother modeled. After several months of illness, Mary Anna peacefully passed away on October 18, 2025 at Emory Hospital Midtown.

Mary Anna will be remembered for her sharp wit which she inherited from her mother, her radiant smile, and the delicious food she cooked and so generously shared with those around her. Her legacy is one of motherhood, faith, friendship, and resilience. She lived purposefully, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on the world.

Mary Anna will always be remembered and her presence missed by her daughter, Regina (Leon) Mincey of Fairburn, GA; her grandson, Antonio “AJ” McMillan, Jr. of Palmetto, GA; a special cousin, Pamela Cook of Louisville, KY, and many friends who were like family.

You can make monetary donations to:

West Chestnut Street Baptist Church, In Memory of Mary Ellis,

1725 W. Chestnut Street, Louisville, KY 40203;

Phone: 502-584-3664.

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