Neva Whitener Ellison, 51, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, at her residence.
She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County.
Neva Sue was a 1984 graduate of Murphy High School. She had worked for the United States Postal Service.
Neva Sue played the piano at Ogreeta Baptist Church for 45 years. She was a member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church. Neva Sue loved the Lord, her family and her church family.
She was the daughter of Neva Jean Bates Whitener of Murphy and the late Robert Elee Whitener. She also was preceded in death by a brother, Robert William “Bobby” Whitener.
Surviving, in addition to her mother, are her husband of 23 years, Michael Ellison; three daughters, Porschia Mathis and husband Bobby of Murphy, Lexus Stewart and husband Willie of Warne, and Madison Ellison of the home; a sister, Nancy Golden and husband Ned of Murphy; four grandchildren, Hailey Mathis, Hope Mathis, Caleb Grizzle and Charlie Mathis; her best friend, Courtney Callihan; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Eddis Dockery officiating. The interment will be in Hanging Dog Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Derik Messer, Cody Messer, Jimmy Wright, Jordan Messer, Cody Golden and Bobby Mathis. Honorary pallbearers will be Willie Stewart and Paul Worley.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.