Frances Ellen Johnson Garner

WIFE

MOTHER

GRANDMOTHER

GREAT-GRANDMOTHER

MOTHER-IN-LAW

SISTER

This is a tribute to you, Ellen, for the many ways you have affected the lives of so many of your family and others throughout the years.

As a wife, you have caused my life to be fulfilling in so many ways. No man could have asked for more than you have provided. Your Christian influence has been a strong factor in my daily life and I love you more than you will ever truly understand or believe. THANK YOU.

You have brought three great children into this world (with a little help from me and much help from God). In every case you passionately wanted them and their conception was planned and prayed for by you.

Melanie was the first and you thought she was the most perfect child ever conceived. You wanted everyone to share her so you even took her to a church picnic on the way home from the hospital. 

No smaller blessing was Laurie, your second child. Hopefully, she benefited from any mistakes made with Melanie (you tried to make Melanie perfect). Laurie was another beautiful blessing from God. 

Guess what? Another child came along and he was named James Jr. It was just perfect to have a son to be cared for by you and two older sisters. He survived it and prospered. 

Ellen, you dedicated your everyday life to these three and did everything in your power to care for them, and most importantly---to LOVE them. Perhaps some mistakes were made, but you displayed true motherhood. Each of them owe you for a “Job Well Done”.

As a grandmother, Ellen, you have been an excellent example of one who wants to do for, and be with, those you deeply adore. These grandchildren---Justin, Brian, Katie, Zack and Hannah have been truly rewarding addition to the growing family.

What about those who are spouses of your children. WELL, unless her children had been born, spouses, your union with her children could not have ever happened. So, you spouses---(Mark, Matt and Linda) owe Ellen many thanks for raising her children in such a way as to bless your life through your marriages. 

The same is true of Tricia, Blake and Miranda. No Melanie and Mark, no Justin, Brian or Katie. Aren’t you glad Justin, Brian and Katie were born! Also, no Laurie and Matt, no Tabitha. 

And, how about the latest additions to the growing family. Great Grands are another wonderful blessing from God. As that number continues to grow, she is committed to be a meaningful part of their lives. Glad you are here---Jackson, Griffin, Claire and Josie. You have her unconditional love! 

Zoe may not realize it, but MeMaw will be a continuing part of her life and willingly, a positive influence in much the same way she has been to others of her extended family.

Let’s not forget Sue, her sister. Due to unfortunate circumstances in her family, Ellen was placed in the position to be a second mother to Sue. That was an overwhelming task for a young teenager. Sue became an integral part of Ellen’s 

married family when she was very young and has continued to be one that Ellen loves dearly. I’m sure that her influence is and was greater than is usual for an older sister, but I know that Ellen joyfully did her best to meet the needs of Sue. Aren’t you thankful, Minot. 

Ellen, all the afore mentioned owe you a great debt of gratitude. Thank you for just being WIFE, MAMA, MOTHER, ELLEN, MEMAW, GREAT GRANDMOTHER, SISTER and for loving all of us as you have in the past and still do---to the BEST OF YOUR STRENGTH AND ABILITY.

GOD BLESS YOU

………with all my love, Your husband, Jim

A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held Saturday, April 6, at 2:00 p.m. at the Ingram Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Scott Phillips officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home the hour prior to the service.

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave; Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements.