Marguerite E. Ellerson

ELLERSON, Marguerite E., died March 10, 2005. She was born in St. Petersburg, Fla., May 19, 1920, to Joseph and Lillian (Kendrick) Murray. At a young age, Marguerite, along with her parents and brother, the late Joseph Jr., relocated to Gainsville, Fla. After completing the public school system, she attended and received an associate of arts degree in business administration from Gibbs Junior College in St. Petersburg. Marguerite was first married to Nathaniel Wilson. After his death, she married Charles Ellerson Sr., with whom she shared 40 years of marriage until his death in September 2004. Marguerite was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Tampa. She served as a church elder for many years and belonged to a Presbyterian Women's Circle. Marguerite worked for several years as a staff member at Gibbs Junior College in St. Petersburg. She was a successful independent businesswoman in the area of real estate sales management and development. In later years, she was primarily a homemaker. Marguerite truly enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and pursuing her many interests including bridge, gardening, entertaining, helping others and traveling. To everyone who knew her, Marguerite's kindness, smile and cheerful disposition will be missed. She leaves to mourn her passing one daughter, Terri E. Balzer, (husband, Gary), and one granddaughter, Shannon Marguerite. She is also survived by three stepchildren; four stepgrandchildren; one stepgreat-grandchild; and a host of other relatives and friends. A memorial service for Marguerite will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2005, at First Presbyterian Church, 412 Zack St., Tampa. The family will receive friends prior to the service at noon at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Presbyterian Church or LifePath Hospice in Tampa. Services and arrangements by Gonzalez Funeral Home Tampa, Fla.