Born in Abbeville County, she was a daughter of the late John Clarence, Sr. and Mae Fisher Alewine. She was twice married, first to the late Luke Gambrell. She was a member of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, where she was a member of the choir, treasurer of the training union, a member of the Happy Agers, and the Homemakers Sunday school class, and where she worked as custodian for ten years.

Mrs. Ellis is survived by one son: Keith Gambrell of Anderson; one daughter: Sharon Wilson of Belton; one stepson: Louis “Mack” Ellis, Jr. of Gilbert, SC; three stepdaughters: Joyce Ware of Greenwood, Betty Ann Looney of Post, TX and Annette Stone of Donalds; two brothers: Jerry Alewine and Terry Alewine of Belton; two sisters: Edith Skinner of Laurens and Etrulia Lollis of Honea Path; ten grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by three brothers: Edwin “Ed” Alewine, Wendell Alewine, and J.C. Alewine; two sisters: Opal Faye Alewine and Ovaline Bryant; one grandchild, Kevin Wilson; and one son-in-law: Charlie Wilson.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the kindness shown to their mother, “Amazing Grace”, first at North Pointe Assisted Living and then at Abbeville Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, March 19, 2017 at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, with Dr. Ron Culbertson and Rev. Landrum Reece officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family is at the home of the daughter, Sharon, 3516 Trail Rd., Belton, and will receive friends Sunday from 2-3 PM at the church, prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made to the Happy Agers and the Food Group at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, 2603 Due West Hwy, Belton, SC 29627. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com