Mary Elouise Sullivan

1932 - 2024

Mary "Elouise" Renfroe Sullivan, 92, went home to heaven on August 29, 2024. She passed away at her daughter Hope's home in Tupelo, MS, surrounded by her family.

The visitation will be Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Dickie Bryan officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens, Columbus, MS.

She was born in Monticello, MS on August 27, 1932, to Edward Norman Renfroe and Tarncie Mae King Renfroe. She was married to William Clinton "Pete" Sullivan for 75 years until his death in January 2023. She is survived by her four children - David Sullivan, Kathy Sullivan, Phillip Sullivan, and Hope (Kevin) Elmore; eight grandchildren -David (Kelly) Sullivan, Jr., Chris Sullivan, Brian Locklin, Samantha (Stephen) Boyette, Phillip (Mandy) Sullivan, Jr., Melanie Elmore, Brittany (Seth) Kendrick, and Ashley (Stanley) Thompson; eleven great-grandchildren - Rachel (Dustin) Britton, Carter Sullivan, Conner Sullivan, Madi Sullivan, Braden Sullivan, Collin Boyette, Owen Boyette, Allison Boyette, Elouise Thompson, Sadie Grace Thompson, and Florence Kendrick; and her brother Fred Renfroe. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters -Vonice Renfroe and Thelma Bates; and her three brothers.

Elouise was a loving mother, grandmother, and a devout Christian. Her love for the Lord was apparent to all who were blessed to know her. Her prayers for her children and grandchildren were always felt, and she will be remembered for her ability to provide comfort and care during difficult times. Her steadfastness in her faith and her ability to overcome many obstacles were evident throughout her life. She was a two-time cancer survivor, fighting with courage and grace each time. She also cared for her husband for many years after he had a stroke.

Her only job outside the home was working with her husband at their store ("Shop and Save") in downtown Columbus in the 1970s and 80s. She was dearly loved by their customers.

She was known by many names (Mama, Mom, Granny, Mawmaw Ease, Gigi, Great Gigi, and Grandma) and, even when her memory was taken by Alzheimer's disease, she continued to ask about her children and grandchildren every single day. As long as she was able, she woke early each morning to care for her home and for her daily devotions and time with the Lord. She loved her coffee with creamer (she would only use N'joy brand because her doctor once told her she wouldn't drink Coffee Mate if she knew what was in it and she never forgot this).

Elouise loved caring for her home, going to weekly appointments at the beauty shop, watching church services, reading her daily devotions, and spending time with her family. She loved birds and had many pet birds during her life. Her grandchildren remember sitting with her on the swing in her backyard as she sang "Little Red Bird in a Tree". She was also an avid QVC shopper and often talked about the hosts like they were dear friends. She wanted to know everything about them and would have her grandchildren Google details about their lives.

She loved music, and her children and grandchildren share fond memories of her singing to them. She often told stories about singing in church and even on the radio with her sisters and said she always sang tenor. She also recalled memories of sitting on the porch of her childhood home and singing with her sisters.

Elouise loved Christmas decorations, antique shopping, and most of all her family and the Lord. She will be dearly missed by all who had the honor of knowing her and being loved by her.

Pallbearers will be Phillip Sullivan, Sr., David Sullivan, Jr., Phillip Sullivan, Jr., Stanley Thompson, Stephen Boyette, Dustin Britton, Collin Boyette, and Owen Boyette. Honorary Pallbearers are Kevin Elmore, Brian Locklin, and Chris Sullivan.