Tula Ellis, 84, of Pampa, passed away, February 3, 2022, at her home.
Services will be 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Pampa with Rev. Byron Williamson, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory. Tula’s service will be livestreamed thru the funeral home’s website.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Tula was born on May 16, 1937, in Childress to W.W. and Sallie Coward. As a young girl she grew up, attended, and graduated high school in the Hollis, OK area. She later met Lewis Ellis at church function, and they later married on May 30, 1953, in Hollis. After their marriage, they lived in Oklahoma before coming to Texas in 1966. They traveled and lived in various towns thru Lewis’ church ministry before permanently settling in Pampa in 2002. Tula worked for many years as a secretary and her career spanned various businesses that included working Memphis Hospital, Etheredge Claim service, at the Lefors Independent School District, and at Cabot.
Tula was a talented woman who was a terrific decorator, cook, and seamstress. But her family, especially her grandchildren brought her the most pride and joy. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; by fifteen brothers and sisters, Lewis Coward, Lester Coward, Vera Whitson, Ruby Hall, Faye Vaughn, Alvie Crowley, William Coward, Wayne Coward, Doyal Coward, Audrey West, Chester Coward, Terry Coward, Leona West, Diana Maxine Coward, and Janette Strotther.
Survivors include her husband, Lewis Ellis of the home; a daughter, Debra Matthews and Butch of Pampa; two sons, Stan Ellis and wife Theresa of Rockport, “other son” Greg Ellis and wife Nanci of Booker, and Katie Burris of Pampa; grandchildren, Mandy Alicea and husband Julio of Arlington, Chris Ellis and wife Cindy of Denver, CO, Jamie Scalf and wife Jane Ann of Mustang, OK, Joel Scalf and wife Heather of Amarillo, Matthew Ellis and wife Ginny of Texas, and Tiffanie Subia and husband Sisto of Texas; thirteen great-grandchildren; a sister, Barbra Kemp in Pampa; a sister-in-law, Faye Ellis of Carlsbad, NM; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family.
Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of Pampa 203 N. West St. Pampa, TX 79065 or the First Baptist Church of Lefors P.O. Box 409 Lefors, TX 79054.
Please sign the online registry at www.carmichael-whatley.com.
