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Elizabeth Louise Walker Ellington was born on October 5, 1929, in Webster County, Mississippi, the youngest of five children of James H and Nancy B. Walker. She grew up in a rural setting in a house with no electricity or plumbing, and she was transported to school each day in a horse drawn wagon. At an early age Louise helped in the fields, and used to tell stories of picking cotton in the hot Mississippi sun. Occasionally she would run across a rogue watermelon in the cotton fields. She would sit in the dirt, crack the watermelon across her knee, and scoop the contents out with dirty hands and eat it. She said it was the most delicious thing she’d ever eaten. At the age of 16, she met her husband-to-be, Morris Ellington, Jr., who had just returned from military service in World War II. After a two-year courtship they were married on May 29, 1948 in Cleveland, Mississippi, a marriage that would span parts of eight decades—over 71 years. Their marriage would produce four children, Morris III, Laura, Nancy, and Keith; nine grandchildren; and 12 greatgrandchildren (with a 13th on the way). As her husband’s career as an insurance executive progressed, they lived in multiple cities across the Southeast, including Memphis, New Orleans, Birmingham, Shreveport, and finally settling in San Antonio in 1974. During their 45 years in San Antonio, Louise and Morris were long-time active members of St. John’s United Methodist Church and have enjoyed great friendships and lifelong relationships in the church. Louise was a throwback to a different time in our society, a time that honored traditional family values. She was dedicated to her home, her faith, and her family, and she took great pride in these. She was an outstanding wife and mother, an amazing cook who always had a hot and delicious meal prepared each night, and an exceptional homemaker who kept her home immaculate at all times. During their younger days, Louise and Morris liked to travel and made regular trips to Florida, California, and Las Vegas. In later years as her health declined, she was unable to travel as much, but she still enjoyed day trips with her husband, son Morris III, and daughter Nancy. Her last day trips in late 2017 were outings to Love Creek Orchards in Medina, Po Po’s Restaurant in Welfare, and Lost Maples State Natural Area. Of all her great qualities, none shown brighter than her love for her family, and her final days were brightened tremendously when she learned of a 13th great-grandchild on the way. For many years the family has gathered every Sunday night for dinner. This weekly get together, which grew larger and larger by the year as the family grew, was her most treasured activity. Louise passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2019, surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home. While her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many friends are saddened by her death, we are all thankful for the wonderful years we had with her, and celebrate her amazing journey and a life well-lived.

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Louise Walker Ellington

October 5, 1929 - August 29, 2019