Ann Moreland Ellis Kelley, 82, patron member of The Episcopal Church of the Advent in Lillian, died peacefully Thursday evening, Oct. 2, 2008.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Ellis. They were the owners of Ellis Inside-Out, a Mobile business specializing in gardening and home decorations. For years, her creative holiday arrangements and decorations brought much joy to thousands of area Mobilians.
She was a long time resident of the Gulf Coast, including Bay Minette, Mobile, and Lillian.
Her benevolent spirit was evident in her everyday activities. Included in those efforts were her support in establishing The Twice Upon a Time Thrift Shop in Lillian and the 2007 establishment of a scholarship endowment fund for the “Coastal Wonders” program. These scholarships provide many children with limited opportunities to attend the environmental program hosted at Beckwith Camp and Conference Center in Fairhope, AL.. The scholarships enable these students to experience and learn about coastal animal and plant life that was so dear to her.
There are so many ways to describe this wonderful person … larger than life, full of sharp wit and humor. A strong woman with an acute sense of philanthropy, she was a dear friend and will be greatly missed by the many who loved her.
Survivors include four sons, Gary (Sally) Ellis of Gulf Shores, Edwin (Linda) Ellis of Tuscaloosa, David (Kerry) Ellis of Lillian, and Billy (Kathryn) Ellis of Spanish Fort; grandchildren, Amanda and Patrick Bussey, Blakeley Ellis and Brandon Ellis; Kana Ellis and Aman Ellis; Gage Ellis and Eme Ellis; Elizabeth Ellis and Virginia Ellis; and two brothers, Johnny (Kitty) Moreland and Harry (Maureen) Moreland of Daphne.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Lillian.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Episcopal Diocese of the Gulf Coast, designated for the Coastal Wonders Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 13330, Pensacola, FL 32591.
Arrangements are by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home and Crematory, Daphne.
