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Mary Jo Ellison

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Mary Ellison Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jun. 24 to Jun. 26, 2009.

Mary Jo Ellison, 84, was called home to be with the Lord on June 22, 2009. She was born August 3, 1924 in Seminole, OK. She was the youngest of three children to Walcie -- James Deaton.Mary Jo was fortunate to have a wonderful childhood. She was always known around Seminole as a little girl for having the most beautiful clothes because her mother made all of her garments. And although she was the only girl of the three children, that never stopped her from running and playing with her big brothers and the boys. Her big brothers constantly spoiled her and were always looking out for her best interests. They loved their little sister.Mary Jo was a very active civic leader in high school and was also involved with the high school news paper. She graduated from Seminole High School in 1942 and upon graduation she attended Hills Business School of Oklahoma City. After this stage of her life, she began working for the Douglas Air Plant during World War II, and stayed there until the war was over. During this time she met the love of her life, Floyd Leroy Ellison, and they were happily married on October 22, 1945. The Ellison's eventually made the move North to Norman in 1955, the place they would call home for the rest of their marriage. They opened "Norman Feed -- Seed," which later became "Ellison Feed -- Seed," that has been a Norman landmark for the past 54 years.She loved her Saturday mornings down at the feed store visiting with long-time customers and friends. She enjoyed her lunches with "the girls" and the many shopping trips they took together. She had a love of travel and looked forward to her yearly Vegas trip with her daughter-in-laws Marianne and Angie. She took great pride in her boys and all of their accomplishments, and cherished her family deeply. She touched many people with her warm heart, bright smile and her acts of kindness. She will forever be missed by many.Mary Jo is preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Leroy Ellison; her parents Walcie and James Deaton; and her brother Howard Deaton.Mary Jo is survived by her brother, Gene and his wife Betty Deaton; her three sons, Floyd Michael and his wife Denise Ellison, David Joe and his wife Marianne Ellison, and James Carl and his wife Angie Ellison; her nine grandchildren: Shawn Ellison, Parker Ellison, Mary Ellison, Dustin Ellison, Lisa Talley, Taylor Ellison, Jeff Ellison, Paul Ellison, and Christopher Ellison; and her five great-grandchildren, Madison Ellison, Dallis Ellison, Jackson Talley, Ella Talley, and baby Talley due in October.Memorial services will be held Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at First Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Christian Church of Norman. Arrangements are with Havenbrook Funeral Home.Send condolences online at http://www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com/Obituaries.htmSubmitted by family

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July 7, 2009

Mary Williams posted to the memorial.

June 24, 2009

Pam Morgan posted to the memorial.

June 24, 2009

Legacy Remembers posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Mary Williams

July 7, 2009

I recently learned of Mary Jo's passing. I'm sorry I missed the service. When I was in my twenties, Mary Jo became a great friend and mentor to me. More than that, she really was a kind of second mother. As she had no daughters, I think our relationship was the beginning of the Ya-Ya sisterhood she apparantly kept up with her daughters-in-law. She and Floyd were very generous, and I might also add tolerant, toward me. She fed me many meals and in many ways, theirs was my "in-town" home. We played poker, made several trips to Las Vegas, and enjoyed dips in her backyard swimming pool. To help me earn money, we cut firewood together on her place east of Norman, which we sold and she gave me all of the money. I don't remember her asking me to do anything for her. An important thing I remember about Mary Jo is her persistent smile and infectious giggly laugh - that is how I picture her. Whenever I do something kind for another person, I do it in honor of Mary Jo, because she taught me the "pay it forward" principle.

Some of you know that my dad, who was also a friend of Floyd and Mary Jo, died two years ago; I understand how deeply sad her passing is for you. I hope time will provide you serenity, and that we all carry on her very special spirit. Mary Jo is a treasure.