Ella Mae Malone

Ella Mae Malone, age 100, of Cherokee, Alabama, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026. She was a lifelong resident of Cherokee and spent her entire life deeply rooted in the community she loved.
Ella Mae was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Elson Malone; parents, Roscoe and Ora Lee Jarnigan; brothers, Ray and Hollis Jarnigan; sisters, Earsel Jarnigan and Barbara Joy Ford; infant daughter, Donna Lane Malone.
She is survived by her four children, Karen Smith (Dale), Paul Malone (Carolyn), David Malone (Lori) and Candi Rutland (Mark); eight grandchildren, Kyle Smith (Meghan), Kade Smith (Anna), Carrie Boyles (Brent), Josh Malone (Kristi), Caylee Parker (Will), Beau Rutland (Abby), Tate Malone and Abbie Malone; eight great-grandchildren, Ella Boyles, Nolan Smith, Gracie Boyles, Cannon Malone, Eden Malone, Stetson Smith, Boone Smith and Brooks Malone, all of whom were the pride and joy of her life.
Ella Mae was born on February 1, 1925 in rural Cherokee, Alabama. She spent her childhood picking cotton and helping her parents with farm work and learning the value of hard work at an early age. She attended Cherokee Vocational High School. As a young adult, she worked as a switchboard operator in Sheffield, Alabama. When Elson returned home from World War II, the two were married and began their life together in Cherokee.
Ella Mae shared a wonderful life with her husband, Elson. Together they raised four children and proudly operated Malone's Grocery Store, which served as both a livelihood for their family and a cornerstone of their community. They always made time for fun, despite the demands of work, and whenever they could, they enjoyed traveling to Florida.
The matriarch of her family, Ella Mae cared deeply about the lives and interests of her children and grandchildren. She made it a priority to keep up with everyone, never missing a milestone and was never short of bragging about her grandchildren's accomplishments. Known for her generosity, she especially loved slipping her grandchildren a little money so they could have some fun.
Ella Mae found great happiness being outdoors on sunny days tending to her flower garden, sitting in her swing beneath the big magnolia tree in her yard and chatting with friends and family. She had a fond love for vanilla milkshakes and never went a day without her Coca-Cola. She loved fashion and always took pride in her appearance. She lived her life joyfully and celebrated each new day – something all who knew her will remember and strive to emulate.
Ella Mae's legacy of love, generosity and joy will live on through the many lives she touched and the family and friends she cherished so deeply.
Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Cherokee. The service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. with Josh Malone and Gary Cosby officiating. Interment will be in Cherokee Memorial Park, Cherokee.
Pallbearers will be Kyle Smith, Kade Smith, Tate Malone, Beau Rutland, Dale Smith and Mark Rutland.
The family would like to extend our thanks to Alabama Hospice of the Shoals, especially Kandace and Angela. We would also like to thank a very special caregiver, Virginia Risner..