Feb. 20, 1937 - Feb. 15, 2013

ELKHART - Evelyn Louise Ellison, 75, of Elkhart, went to be with the Lord at 5:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, at Valley View Nursing Home, Elkhart.

Evelyn was born on Feb. 20, 1937, in South Bend the daughter of the late Jeff Henry and Evelena (Johnson) Whitener.

She is survived by two sons, John H. Whitener of Atlanta and Lester J. (Doris) Ellison of Milwaukee; seven grandchildren, Melinda A. Riley, Lester D. Ellison, Tedrina L. Ellison and Darrell D. Ellison, Jarvice Joiner, Derrick D. Franks and Cristie M. Franks-Ellison; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, William E. Hillard of Fort Wayne and Roy (Kathy) Davis of Dayton, Ohio; two sisters, Delores (Luther) Jackson of Savannah, Ga., and Shirley Mantle of Elkhart; and many special cousins.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Valerie; her parents; and two brothers, Lloyd and Lyle.

Evelyn was a member of the VFW Post 9944 Ladies Auxiliary and the Pride of the South Bend Temple 264. She will be remembered for her love of traveling, cooking, fishing and bingo. She loved garage sales and thrift shops. She was a member of the Coleman Chapel A.M.E.; her baptism was on April 2, 1989.

The family will be holding a memorial service/repass from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, at Pierre Moran Pavilion, 201 W. Wolf Ave., Elkhart.

Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, is handling arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.chapelhillmemorial.com.

Eddie & Sandra James, Elkhart, IN Extending our sincere condolences to Ellison/Whitener family To Lester and John Henry so sorry to hear about the lost of your mother. Our prayers are with you, and may GOD bless you, comfort you, & give you strength during this time.

Carolyn Macon-Land & Family, Elkhart, IN To the Ellison Family: John Henry and Lester, I am very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She will be deeply missed by family and friends. May God bless you, comfort you and give you peace during this time of sorrow.

Sherry Otterbridge - Norah, Granger, IN John Henry,Lester and Family, I was sorry to hear of your mother's passing,but know that she is at peace now and her spirit will always be with each of you.You have the memories to keep and laugh about, but the void will always be there, because your best friend is gone. GOD Bless each and everyone of you at this time. The Otterbridge Family,

Tony & Susan Johnson, Fayetteville, AR To John Henry, Lester, and family, we would like to extend our condolences on the passing of your mother. We know that she will forever live in your hearts and memories.

melvin malone, elkhart, IN rip !!!

KARANER TAYLOR, SACRRAMENTO, CA DEEPEST CONDOLENCES, TO THE FAMILY, MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME , POURING HIS BLESSING ON THE FAMILY , SHE WAS A VERY NICE PERSON, SHE MADE THE BEST DRESSING I EVER ATE , RIP, EVELYN, ITS GOD TURN

Charles & Ann Willis, Elkhart, IN To The Ellison Family; We would like to extend our deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. Losing a parent is one of the biggest losses that can be suffered by anyone. May you find God's presence with you as you journey through this time of grief. When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.

Melody Conard, Katy, TX To The Ellison and The Whitener Family, Lester, John Henry Im so deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your mother, May she Rest In Heaven

frank joseph/cynthia redd, anderson , IN sorry to hear about your mother passing may god bless the family at this time.