Dorothy Vernell Ellis

Mrs. Dorothy Smith Ellis, 88, of Mckenzie, Tennessee, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 31, 2025.
Mrs. Ellis was born on July 12, 1937, Dorothy lived a life full of love, family, and faith. She was a longtime member of Grace Baptist Church. During her younger years, she was a home economics teacher at Southside Christian Academy, seamstress at Thomas Bradford shirt factory and upon retirement she spent time decorating cakes at Dairy Queen in Lexington. She will be remembered for her kind heart, her steady presence, and the way she cared for everyone around her.
Dorothy shared 73 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Billy Joe Ellis, who survives her. She was a proud mother of JoNell (Steve) Weatherford, Cindy (Chuck) Gaskins, and Tony (Kathy) Ellis, who were the center of her world. She was a devoted grandmother to Mark, Jason, John, and stepson Berry (JoNell's children), Jonathan and Kimberly (Cindy's children), and a cherished great-grandmother to Reed and Levi (Jonathan and Sarah Gaskin's children). She is also survived by her loving siblings, William (late wife Peggy) Smith of Mckenzie, Tennessee, and Larry (Joyce) Smith of Cumming, Georgia, and many other loving family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hulon and Ruth Smith. Her family was her greatest joy, and she leaves behind countless memories of laughter, warmth, and unconditional love.
Visitation will be in the Chapel of Brummitt-Mckenzie Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 3, from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and again on Thursday, September 4, from 1:00 P.M. until time of service at 2:00 P.M. with burial to follow in Carroll Memorial Garden Cemetery.