MARY ELLIS

Mary Louise Walton Ellis

Obituary

Mary Louise Walton Ellis was born August 28, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, the second child of Joseph Walton, Sr. and Kittie Ford. She was proceeded in death by her brothers Joseph Walton (Bonnie) and Dr. Edward Walton (Marie).

Mary attended the Chicago Public School System, graduating from Kozminski Elementary School and later from Hyde Park High School. While growing up, she worked in the neighborhood currency exchange and later as a salesperson and buyer for a clothing store. Mary earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Anthropology from Northwestern University, and she subsequently worked as a social worker for the Cook County Department of Public Aid. She later pursued a Master of Science in Special Education from Governors State University and became a special education teacher for students with behavioral disabilities in the Chicago Public Schools. Over the years, she advanced to the role of Special Education Instructional Intervention Teacher and eventually served as an Administrator in the Bureau of Special Needs, overseeing one-third of the district’s schools. Before retiring in 1996, she returned to the classroom as a general education teacher.

In addition to her dedication to children and education, Mary was committed to her Christian faith. At an early age, she attended Berean Baptist Church with her mother. Later as an adult she joined Greater Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church with her husband, where she became an original member of the Eli T. Martin Missionary Society ministry and later served as the Vice-President of the ministry. Continuing her devotion to education, she served as the Chairperson of the ministry’s Scholarship Committee for many years. Mary was also a member of the Council of Elders, Welcome Ministry, and Deaconess. Outside of her work and faith, Mary enjoyed reading, shopping with her daughter, and playing along with Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. During the spring and summer months, she loved visiting nurseries to buy flowers for her husband to plant. She also had a passion for theater, music, going to the movies, and spending quality time with her family.

In 1958, Mary was introduced by her sorority sister to the man who would become her best friend, her love, and her husband— Herbert Gorge Ellis. They were married on August 28, 1960, and were blessed with two children, Katherine and John Ellis, who survive her and cherish her memory. Mary is also survived by her sister-in-law Marie Walton (Edward), niece Nicole Walton Farnaus (Scott), nephews William Walton, Edward Walton (Susan), and Dr. David Walton, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

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