Mary Ellen Wharton

Mary Ellen Wharton, 97, a longtime resident of Montgomery, AL died peacefully in her sleep on January 26, 2024. She had been residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico near her nephew David since 2019. She is preceded in death by her parents Grady Winston and Fannie Lee Wharton as well as her brother Winston Gene Wharton (Mary Jane). She is survived by her nephew John David Wharton and his wife Sheri Wharton, their three adult children Johnathan (Jennifer), Michelle (Matt), and Nicole (Noah) as well as five great-great nephews Samuel, Elijah, Simeon, London, and Jace. Mary Ellen is also survived by very close friends and neighbors who are like family to us (Billie Baker and Carl & Elisabeth Bowman).

In her youth, Mary Ellen was nicknamed “Sugar” by a beloved Nanny that helped the family as her parents both worked. Growing up, Mary Ellen was an exceptional student and athlete and developed a lifelong love of tennis; first as a player and later as a fan. She was also a devoted football fan and enjoyed watching college and professional games. She graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery where she completed specialized business courses. After high school, she held several business positions leading to her role as a Property and Casualty Insurance Agent. For over 48 years, she tirelessly worked for I. Berman, Ashley Brothers, Mead and Charles, and Stark Agency insurance companies. She was one of the founding members of the Insurance Women of Montgomery organization and held many leadership positions within the group. In retirement, Mary Ellen was an avid rose gardener and voracious reader. She led a disciplined and fun-loving life and her bright smile and kind, gentle approach to life will be missed by all that knew her.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Leak Memory Chapel with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's memory to the Montgomery Humane Society, www.montgomeryhumane.com