Ellen Kay "Miss Ellie" Renfro

Ellen "Miss Ellie" Kay Renfro, age 63, of the Crabtree Community, went Home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 5th, 2024 at Mission Hospital. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Oliver and Margie Hylemon Payne. She was also preceded in death by seven grandchildren, as well as three sisters: Edna Payne Hughes, Ethel Payne Bailey and Evelyn Payne Howell.
Miss Ellie was a member of Blue Ridge Baptist Church. She loved doing volunteer work, and always participated in Funshine Camp at Patience Park. She had a knack for crafting and spent countless hours making jewelry and dream catchers. She also enjoyed traveling and canning fruits and vegetables from her garden. Miss Ellie was the most selfless, giving, wonderful Mom to all her family, especially her grandkids, and those who knew her will forever cherish her memory. If anything, Miss Ellie left this world a better place with her kindness.
She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Robert Renfro; three daughters: Jewel Goldman of South Carolina, Dawn Warren (Josh) of Green Mountain, and Chrissie Renfro of South Toe; son, Cephas Ray Renfro (Tammy) of Altapass; 10 grandchildren: Alissa, Cody, Christian, Morgan, Nichole, Mason, McKinzy, Elijah, Shelby and Suellen; 11 great-grandchildren: Nevaeh, Aubrey, Kinsley, Michael, Isabella, Kasper, Tucker, Amelia, Cephas, Lily and Riverlyn; and brother, Edward Oliver Payne; and step-mother-in-law, Frances Renfro of Spruce Pine. She is survived as well by many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 13th in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Josh Warren, Rev. Matthew Robinson and Rev. Cephas Renfro will officiate. Burial will follow in the Crabtree Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 until 4 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to Compassionate Care WNC at 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.