Heaven gained a beautiful angel on September 13, 2021, when Mary Rena Harrell Ellis went from this earthly place to her heavenly home forever to be with her Lord and Savior. Her passing was peaceful, because she knew she would be with Jesus and her pain was brief. A graveside service will be held 12:00Continue Reading
Heaven gained a beautiful angel on September 13, 2021, when Mary Rena Harrell Ellis went from this earthly place to her heavenly home forever to be with her Lord and Savior. Her passing was peaceful, because she knew she would be with Jesus and her pain was brief.
A graveside service will be held 12:00 noon EST on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Lakeview Memory Gardens, with Rev. David Dollar officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 11:30 Thursday morning at Vance Brooks Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL before the service.
Rena was born to Mary Jo Harrell and the late John Edward Harrell in Goshen, AL on August 18, 1958. She attended school in Goshen, AL, graduating form Goshen High School and later receiving he Master’s Degree in Business Management from Troy University. Rena was a faithful member of Fellowship Baptist Church, where she enjoyed being a nursery worker, singing in the choir, and playing piano, among many other positions. She enjoyed day trips with the love of her life, David, and boat riding down the river to Eufaula with friends. Her greatest joy was time spent with her family.
Other than her mother, she is survived by her loving husband, David Ellis of Phenix City, AL; a son, Jeremy Ellis and wife Lindsay of Smiths Station, AL; her church family and friends.
To sign the online guest register visit www.vancebrooksfunealhome.net.
Connie Eger
left a message on September 17, 2021:
She was a sweet friend and co-worker who was always so happy. Her smile and kind heart touched so many. Prayers for her family and for the wonderful memories.
Bob & Cassie Unwin
left a message on September 17, 2021:
Rena was a person who always had a smile on her face and a word of encouragement for those around her. We will miss her smiling presence.
Kathy and Scotty Hill
left a message on September 16, 2021:
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Betty Sell
left a message on September 15, 2021:
I will always remember Rena, her sweet smile and the friendship she offered to everyone. Such a sweet and loving lady. Gone too soon.. My condolences to David as I know he's missing her so much. May God give him peace
Ed and Lisa Faircloth
left a message on September 15, 2021:
It is never easy to lose a loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Rod and Peg Watson
left a message on September 15, 2021:
We are thinking of you guys aI this time. Our condolences 🙏
Lester Booth
left a message on September 15, 2021:
I was deeply, deeply hurt to hear of Rena's passing. Having known and worked with her for so many years, it's hard to imagine not being able to ever see or communicate with her again. So sweet, so caring and so loving. A pleasant and wonderful friend that I was so fortunate to know.
Debi Schoenrock
left a message on September 15, 2021:
I sit here in total disbelief that she is gone... We were neighbors and both expecting our first child..... I moved away and came back and it was like I was never gone... We picked back up right where we left each other.... We watched our children grow up together.... When we ran into each other we always talked about our children and husbands.... David and Jeremy I am heartbroken over your lost... She was a wonderful friend and I was blessed to call her a friend....
Debi Schoenrock
left a message on September 15, 2021:
I sit here in total disbelief that she is gone... We were neighbors and both expecting our first child..... I moved away and came back and it was like I was never gone... We picked back up right where we left each other.... We watched our children grow up together.... When we ran into each other we always talked about our children and husbands.... David and Jeremy I am heartbroken over your lost... She was a wonderful friend and I was blessed to call her my friend....
Debi Schoenrock
left a message on September 15, 2021:
I sit here in total disbelief that she is gone... We were neighbors and both expecting our first child..... I moved away and came back and it was like I was never gone... We picked back up right where we left each other.... We watched our children grow up together.... When we ran into each other we always talked about our children and husbands.... David and Jeremy I am heartbroken over your lost... She was a wonderful friend and I was blessed to call her my friend....
Debi Schoenrock
left a message on September 15, 2021:
I sit here in total disbelief that she is gone... We were neighbors and both expecting our first child..... I moved away and came back and it was like I was never gone... We picked back up right where we left each other.... We watched our children grow up together.... When we ran into each other we always talked about our children and husbands.... David and Jeremy I am heartbroken over your lost... She was a wonderful friend and I was blessed to call her my friend....
Cathy Hall East
left a message on September 15, 2021:
Rena’s Family, I met Rena when the Oglesby family became my family and what a sweet sweet loving person. I know y’all will miss her but you will see her again and what a reunion that will be. Love and prayers..
Cathy Hall East
left a message on September 15, 2021:
Rena’s Family, I met Rena when the Oglesby family became my family and what a sweet sweet loving person. I know y’all will miss her but you will see her again and what a reunion that will be. Love and prayers..
Lorrie Simpson
left a message on September 15, 2021:
I am so sorry for your loss and I am praying for the family. She was a one of a kind lady that was so sweet and friendly. She will be missed a lot. I’m so glad that I was able to meet her and get to know her from phenix city race track with Pete Simpson/ Viper years ago. Praying for you all. Lorrie Simpson
Pam Oglesby Gardner
left a message on September 15, 2021:
Rena has been a part of my family for as long as I can remember; my fourth sister! I feel truly blessed to have been her friend all of these years. NaNa, I miss you already but I will see you soon on heaven's shore! I love you! From Pam John!
Carla Creamer
left a message on September 15, 2021:
My heart is heavy this morning as I just learned about Rena's passing. We worked together at Blue Cross and Rena was always a kind person to everyone. I remember her talking about her son and husband and I knew just how much she loved them by how she adored them and lived her life for them. I also remember that, although she was small in statue, she had a huge heart and the fastest little legs ever. I rarely could keep up with her when we would go walking on our breaks. To say she will be missed is an understatement. My love and sympathy to her family.
Jerry Harrell
left a message on September 14, 2021:
I am so saddened at the loss of my cousin Rena. I have fond memories of spending Christmas every year with Ed, Jodie, Rena, and many other of the Harrell family. But, she has not pain now and is with our Savior Jesus Christ. Time is short on this earth, but eternal with Christ. My prayers go out to David and Jeremy as well as all of those who knew and loved her. She will be sorely missed.
Julie Harbuck
left a message on September 14, 2021:
In memory of Mrs. Mary Rena Harrell Ellis, Julie Harbuck lit a candle
Julie Harbuck
left a message on September 14, 2021:
I was saddened to hear of Mrs. Renas passing, she was such a sweet person & I enjoyed our conversations we used to have. Continued prayers for the entire family during this most difficult time.
Miriam Paul Hattaway
left a message on September 14, 2021:
My prayers go out to Jodie and her family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Miriam Paul Hattaway
left a message on September 14, 2021:
I have known Rena all of her life. She was such a sweet and loving person and always greeted me with a smile.
Bill & Brenda Friend
left a message on September 14, 2021:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you David and your family
Susan Oglesby Hall
left a message on September 14, 2021:
To my friend, Rena, I love you. We met in the first grade and have been sisters and friends since. We have shared many great times together in which I will cherish forever. I will hold you dear to my heart until we meet again. I know that you have seen Jesus, your Daddy, and my Mama and Daddy too. What a reunion. I can only imagine. I love you, my friend. Love, Susan
Susan R Mathews
left a message on September 14, 2021:
In memory of Mrs. Mary Rena Harrell Ellis, Susan R Mathews lit a candle
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Connie Eger
left a message on September 17, 2021:
She was a sweet friend and co-worker who was always so happy. Her smile and kind heart touched so many. Prayers for her family and for the wonderful memories.
Bob & Cassie Unwin
left a message on September 17, 2021:
Rena was a person who always had a smile on her face and a word of encouragement for those around her. We will miss her smiling presence.
Kathy and Scotty Hill
left a message on September 16, 2021:
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Betty Sell
left a message on September 15, 2021:
I will always remember Rena, her sweet smile and the friendship she offered to everyone. Such a sweet and loving lady. Gone too soon.. My condolences to David as I know he's missing her so much. May God give him peace
Ed and Lisa Faircloth
left a message on September 15, 2021:
It is never easy to lose a loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Rod and Peg Watson
left a message on September 15, 2021:
We are thinking of you guys aI this time. Our condolences 🙏
Lester Booth
left a message on September 15, 2021:
I was deeply, deeply hurt to hear of Rena's passing. Having known and worked with her for so many years, it's hard to imagine not being able to ever see or communicate with her again. So sweet, so caring and so loving. A pleasant and wonderful friend that I was so fortunate to know.
Debi Schoenrock
left a message on September 15, 2021:
I sit here in total disbelief that she is gone... We were neighbors and both expecting our first child..... I moved away and came back and it was like I was never gone... We picked back up right where we left each other.... We watched our children grow up together.... When we ran into each other we always talked about our children and husbands.... David and Jeremy I am heartbroken over your lost... She was a wonderful friend and I was blessed to call her a friend....
Debi Schoenrock
left a message on September 15, 2021:
I sit here in total disbelief that she is gone... We were neighbors and both expecting our first child..... I moved away and came back and it was like I was never gone... We picked back up right where we left each other.... We watched our children grow up together.... When we ran into each other we always talked about our children and husbands.... David and Jeremy I am heartbroken over your lost... She was a wonderful friend and I was blessed to call her my friend....
Debi Schoenrock
left a message on September 15, 2021:
I sit here in total disbelief that she is gone... We were neighbors and both expecting our first child..... I moved away and came back and it was like I was never gone... We picked back up right where we left each other.... We watched our children grow up together.... When we ran into each other we always talked about our children and husbands.... David and Jeremy I am heartbroken over your lost... She was a wonderful friend and I was blessed to call her my friend....
Debi Schoenrock
left a message on September 15, 2021:
I sit here in total disbelief that she is gone... We were neighbors and both expecting our first child..... I moved away and came back and it was like I was never gone... We picked back up right where we left each other.... We watched our children grow up together.... When we ran into each other we always talked about our children and husbands.... David and Jeremy I am heartbroken over your lost... She was a wonderful friend and I was blessed to call her my friend....
Cathy Hall East
left a message on September 15, 2021:
Rena’s Family, I met Rena when the Oglesby family became my family and what a sweet sweet loving person. I know y’all will miss her but you will see her again and what a reunion that will be. Love and prayers..
Cathy Hall East
left a message on September 15, 2021:
Rena’s Family, I met Rena when the Oglesby family became my family and what a sweet sweet loving person. I know y’all will miss her but you will see her again and what a reunion that will be. Love and prayers..
Lorrie Simpson
left a message on September 15, 2021:
I am so sorry for your loss and I am praying for the family. She was a one of a kind lady that was so sweet and friendly. She will be missed a lot. I’m so glad that I was able to meet her and get to know her from phenix city race track with Pete Simpson/ Viper years ago. Praying for you all. Lorrie Simpson
Pam Oglesby Gardner
left a message on September 15, 2021:
Rena has been a part of my family for as long as I can remember; my fourth sister! I feel truly blessed to have been her friend all of these years. NaNa, I miss you already but I will see you soon on heaven's shore! I love you! From Pam John!
Carla Creamer
left a message on September 15, 2021:
My heart is heavy this morning as I just learned about Rena's passing. We worked together at Blue Cross and Rena was always a kind person to everyone. I remember her talking about her son and husband and I knew just how much she loved them by how she adored them and lived her life for them. I also remember that, although she was small in statue, she had a huge heart and the fastest little legs ever. I rarely could keep up with her when we would go walking on our breaks. To say she will be missed is an understatement. My love and sympathy to her family.
Jerry Harrell
left a message on September 14, 2021:
I am so saddened at the loss of my cousin Rena. I have fond memories of spending Christmas every year with Ed, Jodie, Rena, and many other of the Harrell family. But, she has not pain now and is with our Savior Jesus Christ. Time is short on this earth, but eternal with Christ. My prayers go out to David and Jeremy as well as all of those who knew and loved her. She will be sorely missed.
Julie Harbuck
left a message on September 14, 2021:
In memory of Mrs. Mary Rena Harrell Ellis, Julie Harbuck lit a candle
Julie Harbuck
left a message on September 14, 2021:
I was saddened to hear of Mrs. Renas passing, she was such a sweet person & I enjoyed our conversations we used to have. Continued prayers for the entire family during this most difficult time.
Miriam Paul Hattaway
left a message on September 14, 2021:
My prayers go out to Jodie and her family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Miriam Paul Hattaway
left a message on September 14, 2021:
I have known Rena all of her life. She was such a sweet and loving person and always greeted me with a smile.
Bill & Brenda Friend
left a message on September 14, 2021:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you David and your family
Susan Oglesby Hall
left a message on September 14, 2021:
To my friend, Rena, I love you. We met in the first grade and have been sisters and friends since. We have shared many great times together in which I will cherish forever. I will hold you dear to my heart until we meet again. I know that you have seen Jesus, your Daddy, and my Mama and Daddy too. What a reunion. I can only imagine. I love you, my friend. Love, Susan
Susan R Mathews
left a message on September 14, 2021:
In memory of Mrs. Mary Rena Harrell Ellis, Susan R Mathews lit a candle
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Thank you for leaving a condolence..
Your comment has been submitted for moderation.