Tonia Ellis Obituary
Decatur
Funeral for Tonia Rodgers Ellis, 44, of Decatur will be today, Nov. 22, 2009, at 3 p.m. at Decatur Presbyterian Church with Pastor J. Thomas Lee Sr. officiating and Roselawn Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.
Mrs. Ellis, who died Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, was born Feb. 25, 1965, in Hueytown to Roy Rodgers and Sally Rodgers. She was a homemaker, teacher and loving mother and wife. She was preceded in death by her mother and beloved grandparents, Percy Ruby Dew and Wilmer Rodgers.
Survivors include her husband of 22 years, Emory Ellis; two sons, Earl Ellis and William Ellis; two daughters, Gabriella Ellis and Alexandra Ellis; her father; brother, Tommy Rodgers; and sister, Melissa Rodgers.
Pallbearers will be Russ Harrelson, Al Bracewell, Chip Walraven, Blake Temple, Greg Smith, George Godwin and Kent Quinn.
Honorary pallbearers will be Campus Outreach Brothers-In-Christ, Rob Bright, Bill Cunningham, Ken Foster, Jerry Beverly, Steve Sutherland, Steve Dabbs, Steve Singletary, Troy Anderson, Sam Sandusky and Lee Sexton.
The family requests memorials be made to Neighborhood Christian Center, Decatur.
This obituary was originally published in the Decatur Daily.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 21, 2009
Emory and family,
Tonia was a "one of a kind" woman! Her sincere, sweet and kind heart will live on in those of us that knew her. Her life impacted and blessed all of us who had the priveledge of knowing her.
You are in my prayers.
In Christ,
Marji
Melissa Howard
December 16, 2009
Dear Emory and Family,
I have been so very sad to hear about your loss. I have looked up to Tonia since I first met her. I have many memories of Kristy and I having spend the night parties at your house, blaring Amy Grant songs and performing as Tonia praised our dancing abilities. God's light radiated from Tonia and I look forward to the day that I see her again.
Tammy Burnette
December 3, 2009
Emory and Family,
Even though I have not spoken to Tonia in so many years, as her cousin, she was still very dear to me. My mom kept me updated on your family and I know how kind and loving she remained throughout the years. She was such a special person. My love and prayers go out to you all.
Sean Fitzwilliam
November 30, 2009
Ellis and Rodgers Families,
Our prayers along with many others will continue to go out to you during this time of mourning. I met Tonia shortly after becoming a Christian while a student athlete at Troy State University. And I can clearly remember first meeting Tonia during a Campus Outreach meeting. She was then as I will always remember her, a Christian woman who truly reflected the love of Christ in her everyday actions and dealings with others. My only regret is that I didn’t get to see her again on this earth to let her know how much of an impact she had on my life as a new believer some 24 years earlier however, I know that I will get to see her again in the not so distant future as I pray all of you will.
In Christ,
Fitzwilliam Family
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Joel
November 30, 2009
I am so sorry for the lost of your dear loved one. It's comforting to know that God cares for all of us and losing a loved one is something we cannot get used to. The Bible gives us hope that one day we can see our dear loved one again. On behalf of all mankind Jesus surrender his soul for many. John 15:13 says “No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul on behalf of his friends.” Truly I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one and I hope these few words will bring you comfort and hope.
November 25, 2009
Emory, we are so sorry to hear about Tonia. We met her when our son Jack played ball with Earl (about 11 years ago). We will miss her beautiful smile and sweet personality, and the way she loved her children was so evident. Please allow God to comfort you with His presence and the peace of knowing that you will surely see her again. We are praying for you and the children.
Love in Christ-Jackie & Shawn Wallace
Chris Sharp
November 25, 2009
Emory, God used both of you guys to call me to Himself. I watched both of you closely as a unbeliever and God used you both to save me and give me a clear perspective of what marriage in Christ is about. Because Tonia is my sister in Christ, i can honestly say that I'm grieving with you, but at the same time, i can't fathom what grief you are experiencing right now. All that said, all I can really say is that I'm thankful for the obedience that both of you displayed before me and that I'm sorry you are having to go through this experience. God is good, always. Praise God that He is faithful to us through His Son Jesus Christ.
Glenn Fincher
November 23, 2009
Emory, Earl, William, Gabi, & Allie,
Our hearts are heavy with you and for you. We loved your wonderful, Tonia, as if she were our own - she was such a loving woman that her heart was big enought for all of us! Like you, we will miss her ready smile, her kind heart, and her quick laugh. We don't grieve w/o hope though - God assures us that we will all be reunited with her again, sooner than we can believe. And we will spend eternity with her & Christ.
We love you all dearly.
Mac Crane
November 23, 2009
Emory,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ruth and I have you and your family in our prayers.
Mac and Ruth Crane
David and Shelley Balik
November 23, 2009
Words cannot express how much we empathize with your grief. Only God knows the time and the reason why such a beautiful giving person is taken from us. He will keep you in His perfect care and guide you day by day. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
November 23, 2009
Ellis Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear about Tonia. Our heart goes out to all of you at this time and in the days ahead. Allow God to bring you comfort that only He can give!
Meleah Segars, Miguel and Brock Cubillo
Tabby Timbs-Case
November 22, 2009
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" Jn. 13:35.
Emory:
I'm sure you don't remember me. I was a freshman when you and Tonia had either just graduated or were seniors. I came to Christ my freshman year back in '86, and I wanted to let you know how the story of your wedding was one of the things that led me to the Lord.
Of course, I wasn't even at your wedding, but Elizabeth Cetti was. She was one of the people who led me to Christ. She told me the story of how Tonia had dated a good friend of yours, Steve Dabbs, I think his name was. They were in a serious relationship at one point, I think. Tonia and Steve broke up, than you began to date and eventually marry her. Not only did you and Steve maintain a close friendship, but if I remember correctly, he was the best man in your wedding. Elizabeth wrapped the story up by saying, "Only God can cause people to love each other like that." I thought, "The way these people love and support each other is amazing. I want to be a person like that." So you see, even though you never knew me, your marriage, from the very beginning, has had a beautiful and eternal impact on the lives of those around you, though you probably have had no idea. I wanted you to know this. I want you to not look back on your time with your wife with regret. Marriage is a furnace that burns away our flesh, so we've all done and said things to our spouses that we wish we hadn't, but your overwhelming and most consistant witness in your marriage was your love for your wife. Don't doubt it. Your unselfish love for Tonia as well as Steve made Christ attractive to me.
There is nothing I can do to take away the hurt and grief you and your precious children are feeling. I wish there was. I want you to know that people in NC and TN, who you will probably never meet, are grieving for and praying hard for you. I hope those prayers sustain you.
"The Lord is near to the broken hearted, and He saves those who are crushed in spirit...You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle; they are in Your book" Ps. 34:18, 56:8.
Our Lord loves you; He will not abandon you as an orphan. He's with us always, even when we can't feel Him.
We are all going to see Tonia again. You'll be reunited, and I'll finally have the chance to thank her for being Jesus to me.
May the peace that surpasses all human comprehension be with you and your children, Emory.
Clarice Rich
November 22, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Carla Gillette
November 22, 2009
Ellis Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. As a former Eastwood employee, I got to know Tonia through the Eastwood family. She was a special person to all who knew her.
The Warner Family
November 21, 2009
Ellis Family,
We will be praying for the Lord to see you through this difficult time. Tonia was so genuine and kind and will be missed greatly. Hold tight to those precious memories.
Melanie and Brent Warner
Grant, Lillie Beth and Annilyn
Linda Letcher
November 21, 2009
Emory,
Tonia was very special. I will never forget her amazing smile and her loving spirit. Clayton and I are praying for you and your children.
November 21, 2009
Emory and family, so sorry to hear about Tonia. One of the sweetest Alpha Gam sisters I had. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Alice Alsobrook Adams, Blakely, GA
Jelicia Daily
November 21, 2009
My family is very sorry for what happen. She was a very kind preson she loved a lot of people.I will keep you in my prayers. To the Ellis family from Gabriella friend to the family.
Lori Collier
November 21, 2009
I love you tinia you were always my cousin i so looked up to and admired more than you could've ever known..emory if you ever need family or hepl i'm here and melissa can reach me
Shannon Hopkins
November 21, 2009
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Tonia. She was a beautiful lady, inside and out. I am a better person for having known her and am thankful to have been blessed to call her "friend".
I have never met a woman who adored her children more than Tonia. I have also never met anyone who exuded the spirit of God more than sweet Tonia. Emma thought she was the sweetest lady and enjoyed the time she spent with her and Ali.
Your precious family is in our prayers and will be for many months to come.
Shannon Hopkins and Emma
November 21, 2009
Dear Emory, Brent and I were on Beach Project with you guys - I work at Briarwood Presbyterian Church and heard the news on Friday morning - I immediately remembered Tonia's sweet smile and from her picture, it looks at if she didn't change one bit. My thoughts and prayers for you and your children during this time.
Brent and Leigh Ann Greene Reese
November 21, 2009
My family is very saddened and sorry . It was a great
honor to know Tonia. Saylor and Summer Johnson, Andy,Cory, Debra Dodson.
Walker and Margie Mead
November 21, 2009
Emory And Children Our prayers and thoughts will be with you and your children during this time of loss.
Tonia Rodgers Ellis
November 21, 2009
Emory and children Our prayers and thoughts will be with you and your children during this time Walker and margie
November 21, 2009
We are praying for your family at this difficult time. We pray for God to give you peace and comfort as you deal with this pain. We enjoyed spending so much precious time with Tonia and the girls at gymnastics over the years. Tonia was such a wonderful person! We love you, Gabi!
Chris, Ginger, and Savannah Jones
The Burchel Family
November 21, 2009
Such a sweet smile, a kind soul, and a gentle spirit...Tonia will be greatly missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Greg and Debbie Smith and family
November 21, 2009
Tonia gave her unconditional love to everyone she knew. She believed and followed Jesus Christ and is now with our loving Creator in the Heaven that far surpasses what we can imagine! The void she leaves has us reeling and while we are so thankful that she is with our Lord, we miss her more desperately than we can express.
November 21, 2009
That beautiful smile...may the arms of God hold you in comfort and peace. We love you all so much.
Joe and Sally
Betty Spann
November 21, 2009
Emory and Children, Our hearts were saddened when we read the Messenger this morning about Tonia. She was such a beautiful and fine Christian lady. May the Lord bless and comfort you all.
With our love, thoughts and prayers,
Jerry and Betty Spann
Collin and Connie
November 21, 2009
Emory, We're so sorry for your loss.
We'll remember Tonia with that great big smile on her face.
the Barry Meadows Family
November 21, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
November 21, 2009
I am very sorry for your loss, I knew Tonia in college. She was a wonderful, bright, kind person. How wonderful for you to have had her as your wife and mother. God Bless-
Eva Carter
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