Sammy McMahan “Cookie” Ely, age 78 of Knoxville, passed away January 15, 2021 at her daughter’s home in Cleveland, TN. Sammy was of the Methodist faith. She retired from the University of Tennessee. She loved writing calligraphy and creating cards. Preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Robert Ely. Survived by daughter, Stacey Barnett (Lee); grandchildren, Zachary and Dustin; sister, Lynn Thomas (James); brother, Tom McMahan (Geneva). Loved by her nephews, J.T. McMahan (Stephanie) Christopher Ely (Meggan); nieces, Jamie Patrick (Ron), Kim Jette (John), Whitney Harness (David) and Monique Ely; great nieces and nephews, Jacob, Braden, Audrey, Sarah, Caroline, Sam, Hadleigh, Emerie and Eliana; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Hudson ( Dennis) , Suzanne Ely and many special friends. Due to Covid-19 a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, but condolences are welcome at weaverfuneralservices.com