Elsie Mitchell Ennis

DURHAM Elsie Mitchell Ennis, age 91, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2015 at her home. She was a native and lifelong resident of Durham and the daughter of the late Ona Crafton Mitchell, Sr. and Nellie Blye Phillips Mitchell. She is also predeceased by son, William Edward Ennis, Jr., brothers, O. C. Mitchell, Jr. of Durham and Norman Mitchell of Fayetteville, and sisters, Crissie Giles of Chatham, VA and Ruth Woody of Durham. Mrs. Ennis taught for 23 years with Durham Public Schools and also worked at UNC in the chemistry department before retiring in 1998. She volunteered as a youth and G.A. leader at Bethesda Baptist Church and enjoyed crafts and teaching ceramics in her personal basement. Elsie and William enjoyed traveling and camping when their children were young and also enjoyed traveling on trips that William won with Electrolux.

Mrs. Ennis is survived by her husband, William Edward Ennis, Sr.; 4 daughters: Tena Whitten Clark (Ray), Frances Ennis Watson (Brooks), daughter-in-law, Robin Ennis (widow of Edward), Sue Ennis Wadford, and Jane Ennis Utley (Lou); grandchildren: Kevin Whitten (Melanie), Michael Watson (Natalie), Stacy Watson, Eddie Ennis, Alicia Ennis Russell, Donnie Wadford (Teresa), Chris Wadford (Jamie), Dana Wadford Stansbury (John), and Nichole Utley; great-grandchildren: Chelsea Whitten, Kendall Whitten, April Whitten, Kylie Russell, Kacie Russell, Brittany Wadford, Andrew Wadford, Blake Wadford, Kolby Wadford, Conor Wadford, Justin Stansbury, and Brooklyn Stansbury. She is also survived by her sister, Vertie Mitchell Perry of Smithfield.

Funeral services will be held at Bethesda Baptist Church Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 2 pm with Rev. Hugh O’Shields and Rev. Clay Stevens officiating. Burial will take place in the Mitchell Cemetery following the service. Pallbearers will be Donnie Wadford, Eddie Ennis, Michael Watson, John Stansbury, Chris Wadford, and Andrew Wadford. The family will receive friends at Hudson Funeral Home Saturday, January 10, 2015 from 3-5 pm and at other times at Mrs. Ennis’ home, 827 Glenco Road. Flowers are acceptable as well as donations to Duke HomeCare and Hospice, 4321 Medical Park Drive, Suite 101,Durham, NC 27704. Online condolences can be made at www.hudsonfuneralhome.com.