Mary “Ellen” Reason, 77, was born December 16, 1948, in Walstonburg, North Carolina, and passed away October 9, 2026, in Fremont, North Carolina. She was deeply beloved and cherished, remembered for a kind-hearted presence that brought comfort, steadiness, and warmth to those fortunate enough to know her.
Ellen found comfort and happiness in the music she loved, from Conway Twitty to gospel favorites that spoke to her spirit. She also enjoyed traveling, especially when it led her to the mountains—places that offered beauty, peace, and time well spent. A member of Crosspointe Baptist Church in Fremont, she carried her faith with her and valued the community and connection it brought.
She is survived by her sister, Teresa Lewis; her nieces, Tonya Smith (Kelvin), Christie Ramirez (Jose), and Gena Barnes; her nephew, John Kirk (Thomas); and her dog, Bear.
Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Ollen “Bootsey” Reason; her father, James Edward Speight; her mother, Eloise Amerson Lewis; her stepfather, Gene Lewis; her brother, Kirk Lewis; her sister, Wanda Kay Barnes; her nephew, Brandon Barnes; and her dog, Coco.
Mary Ellen will be laid to rest at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Wilson, after a graveside service at 11:00am on Tuesday, October 13th.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284-0692, or, www.heart.org.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice and the staff that cared for Mary: Brittany, Crystal, Haley, and Ann.
