NORMA JEAN ELLIS

Mrs. Norma Jean Ellis, a Quincy native of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away at 12:08 a.m. Monday (December 14, 2009) in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Norma Jean, the only child of the late Ernest and Maude (Kruth) Spry was born in Quincy where she attended school and graduated from Quincy High School and Gem City Business College. An accomplished pianist, she worked with a small local combo for many years and later appeared as a solo artist at various clubs in Springfield and Chicago.

Norma Jean was a member of St. John's Methodist Church in Corpus Christi. A strong supporter of animal rights and anti-cruelty organizations, Norma Jean was a member of the Founder's Society of ASPCA, the Tree House Animal Foundation and the Humane Society of the United States.

Norma Jean was employed as an Executive Secretary for Gates Radio / Harris Corporation for 20 years. She and her husband Bill retired to Corpus Christi, Texas in 1994.

Survivors include her husband of 42 years, William R. Ellis of Corpus Christi, TX; and a cousin, Trula Wenneker of Quincy, IL.

Mrs. Ellis was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 10:30 in the Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home in Quincy by the Rev. Robert Morwell. Burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday morning from 9:00 until the time of services at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Quincy Humane Society.