Elsie Lankford Ellington

Elsie Lankford Ellington, age 99 of Conyers, GA, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 30, 2026. She was the widow of Ovid Ross Ellington, who passed away in 2006. In addition to her late husband, Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Lankford and Mollie Lankford; stepmother, Heddie Craig Lankford; and siblings that included brothers, Jessie, Jake, Cramer, George, and Gus; sisters, Parma, Mary, Daisy, Lilly, Love, Blanche, Jewel, Audrey, and Margaret. She is survived by son, Ronnie Nelson Ellington (Debbie) of Lula, GA; daughter, Debbie Ann Mason (Buddy) of Loganville, GA; four grandsons, Jamey Mason (Merry), Charlie Mason (Lucy), Scott Mason, and Ross Ellington (Deborah); one granddaughter, Holly Kemp (Bill); nine great grandchildren, Sophie Mason, Alex Mason, Ella Mason, Logan Mason, London Mason, Monroe Mason, Ethan Ellington, Avery Ellington, and Emily Kemp; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and a host of friends. Elsie was born January 29, 1927, in Eatonton, GA. Sadly, her mother passed away upon giving birth to her. Elsie grew up on a dairy farm where she learned the value of hard work. When she reached the age of 10, she was responsible for milking four cows in the early morning hours prior to going to school. She also performed labor intensive tasks such as picking cotton. Elsie and her niece Nellie, of about the same age as her, formed a close bond of kinsman-ship. Oftentimes Elsie would sneak away from home and go across the road to spend the night with Nellie. They attended school together in a one-room schoolhouse off Bethel Church Road in Eatonton. Elsie often shared her meager lunch with Nellie, a simple act that demonstrated the characteristics of kindness and selflessness she would carry on for a lifetime. And she sometimes said, “If you want to make me mad, just call me stingy because I am not stingy!” Elsie met the man she would marry on a blind date arranged by his cousin, Fletcher Alexander. After that first date, Ovid was smitten. He made the long drive from Conyers to Eatonton every weekend for almost 7 years to see Elsie and often commented that his biggest regret was time wasted by not marrying Elsie much sooner. They were married for 56 years until his death in 2006. After graduating from high school in Eatonton, Elsie worked at an aluminum plant. Soon after marrying Ovid, she worked at a clothing store. Commenting on that job she said she exchanged her paycheck for the clothing she bought. Elsie was a talented seamstress who was often called upon to make clothing for special occasions such as costumes for Christmas programs. She made lovely, frilly dresses for her daughter and years later fashioned dresses for her great granddaughters that have become treasured possessions for the family. She even made a suit of clothes for her grandson, Jamey. She retired from Walton Clothes after 17 years of service as a seamstress. Elsie was a great cook of southern style meals. Her dishes included either fatback, or lard, or lots of butter. You missed out on something if you were never privileged to eat a slice of Elsie’s scrumptious pecan pie. Her red velvet cake was a dessert desired by many with its tasty creamy icing and moist layers and her seven up cake was even better. A specialty of hers was frying hush puppies at the annual lake house fish fry for the church. No one could match the crisp texture and tasty blend of the hush puppies she prepared. Elsie was a good-hearted soul who devoted herself to the service of others. Every day for over 2 years she prepared daily meals for an elderly gentleman who had become a widower and was stricken with cancer. She and Ovid made sure the man was well fed and provided whatever assistance he needed. She was very kind and sweet hearted. If she ever thought that an action of hers might have unintentionally offended someone, she would worry herself sick until she could issue a heartfelt tearful apology and ask for forgiveness. Her grandchildren knew her as “Granny Elsie” and she became “GG” to her great grandchildren. “GG” is an affectionate moniker originated by her 1st great grandchild, Sophie. In her later years, GG derived enormous pleasure from spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Next to God, her family was the most important thing in her life. She often said, “I love my family, and I love to work!” Elsie was a long-time member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Until age took its toll on her mind and body, she attended Sunday School and worship services regularly. Her lovely voice blended well with the choir and with Catherine Moon and Mack Swann as they sang hymns together as a trio, and her solo rendition of “The Son of God” touched all who heard it. She left behind a life well lived, with great love and devotion to God and family, and a reputation of being a genuinely sweet, servant minded and kindhearted soul to all. She left behind an adoring family and many friends who dearly loved her and will sorely miss her. Elsie spent the last five years of life at Magnolia Assisted Living and Memory Care in Conyers, GA. The staff of the facility gave much loving care to Elsie and devoted themselves to making her as comfortable as possible. Abbey Hospice arranged weekly nursing care visits as well as weekly visits by a local pastor who spoke with her and prayed with her. Ronnie and Debbie wish to extend their heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to each staff member of Magnolia and Abbey who provided caretaking to their mother during her final years. A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 1233 Pleasant Hill Road, Conyers, GA, with Rev. Scott Richardson and Rev. John Cheek officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Elsie can be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, c/o Bryan Broadnax, 1409 Knollwood Drive, Monroe, GA 30655. Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 670 Tom Brewer Road, Loganville, GA 30052. 770-466-1544. Please sign the online guest registry at www.stewartfh.com.

Elsie Lankford Ellington

January 29, 1927 - May 30, 2026

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Elsie Lankford Ellington

January 29, 1927 - May 30, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

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