ROCKY MOUNT – “The ribbons of your love is wrapped around our hearts forever.”

Mary Howard Martin Ellis passed away into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ, May 30, 2011 at Nash General Hospital due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born in Northampton County to Moody and Julia Howard. She was preceded in death by husbands Carl Martin of Rich Square and Sylvester Ellis of Whitakers, NC and by grandson Anthony Jordan Pendergrass II of Rocky Mount.

She is survived by her only child, Jann Pendergrass and fiancé, Rhett Bennett, who she lived with for the last four years. She is also survived by granddaughters Beth Blanchard, Lisa Pendergrass and fiancé, Chris Erb, and Aimee Pendergrass and friend, Paul Tremblett, all of Rocky Mount. She is survived by great granddaughters Brittni Blanchard and Hannah Erb and great grandsons Cameron Erb and Liam Tremblett and great-great grandson Jace Lane. Also, special friends Lila Joyner of Whitakers and Patsy Smith of Sandy Cross. Also special thanks to Dr. Camilla Proctor and nurse Melanie, and the rest of her staff and to the Nash General Hospital staff on 5th floor who took such excellent care of her.

She was a member of Hickory Baptist Church, Whitakers, NC.

Her family and friends mourn her passing deeply, but rejoice knowing she is whole again and with our Lord.

Cremation is being handled by Johnson Funerals and Cremations of Rocky Mount, NC. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family request that memorial contributions be made to ALZNC, 1305 Navaho Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609.

Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funerals & Cremations, 661 English Rd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com