Mary Ellen Ley
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MARY ELLEN (WILLIS) LEY, of Knoxville, formerly of Mauldin, SC, passed away at the age of 98, in the early morning of Friday July 1, 2022.
She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.
Born December 18, 1923, in Bridgeboro, GA to James and Eddie Dean Willis, she was married to John Henry Ley from 1942 until his death in 2006. She outlived all five of her siblings: brothers Ted, Julian, Carl and Emory Willis, and sister Hattie Jean Hoschar.
She is survived by two sons, James A. (Lee) Ley and J. Michael Ley; five grandchildren, Joe (Amy) Ley, John (Karalyne) Ley, Ashley (Andy) Ethridge, Colin (Eric) Smith and Joshua Ley, and eight great grandsons, as well as several nieces and nephews.
During her husband's 22-year military career, Ellen made a home for her family in many places across the country and was well-known for her skill at gardening, cooking, and sewing, especially her beautiful hand sewn quilts. For holiday gatherings she always made sure to have her grandchildren's favorites on the table.
Funeral Service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 544 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917, on Friday, July 22, at 3 p.m., led by Pastor Amy Figg Ley. Visitation will take place at the church prior to the service beginning at 2 p.m.
The family is thankful for the loving care Ellen received from the staff at Deane Hill Senior Living, and for the compassionate care of UT Hospice during her final days.
The family requests that the memorial donations be made in her name to Alzheimer's Tennessee, Inc. 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences can be made at rosefuneraltn.com.