Ms. Ella Louise Clenney Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ella Louise Clenney passed peacefully from this earth during the early morning hours of Saturday, September 5, 2020. Mrs. Clenney was born on May 8, 1934 to Vester and Ella Petty Ervin. Her life began with tragedy as her mother passed away during childbirth. Louise was raised by her father and her beloved older sister Mrs. Velma Ervin McBride. She attended elementary school at Center Hill School and high school in Sardis. She graduated valedictorian and was a star basketball player for the Blue Devils. After high school, she moved to Memphis and worked as a telephone operator. While there, she met and danced with pre-stardom Elvis Presley…a story she loved to tell. Upon her arrival back to Henderson County, she met and married her husband Neil Clenney on May 30th, 1955 in Corinth, MS. They made their home in the Sardis and Reagan areas until moving to Chicago for work in 1956. While there she worked for the Estee Lauder Company. Soon after they returned to the Center Hill community, raised their daughters Sherry and Karen, and enjoyed 43 years of blessed marriage. When she was close to the age of 30, she was plagued with a paralytic affliction similar to polio. With an unbreakable spirit and willful determination, she overcame this condition and walked again. In the early 60s, Louise took a mail order course on upholstery work and afterward owned and operated a very successful upholstery business for many years. Her brilliant talent was well known throughout Henderson County and surrounding areas. Even now her family still meet people who have furniture in their homes that she reupholstered. Louise was an active member of Center Hill Little Rock Baptist Church since her childhood. Until she was unable, if the church doors were open, she was there. She was a daughter of her Father God, a devout follower of Christ, and a sister to many. She was a mighty prayer warrior who read and studied the Word religiously. She would often hand-write inspirational notes and scriptures to share with her friends and family during their times of joy or heartache. Her faithfulness and sincerity were a blessing for all that knew her. If you ask any 30 - 50 year old from the Center Hill area, they will tell you about their memories of her monthly parties that she hosted for the youth on behalf of Modern Woodmen of America. The Halloween party was the annual favorite as it was open to the entire community and most remembered because of the costume contests and prize drawings. One of her most endearing qualities was her spiritual gift of service. Like most women of her generation, Louise was a wonderful cook. Her chocolate pies, fried pies of any kind, fried chicken, and dumplins’ cannot be replicated. She cooked wild game like rabbit, squirrel, deer, and quail to perfection. No one would refuse a dish at any meal. Her cornbread was a daily treat. With her older grandchildren, Shane and Derek, in the 80s and 90s, Louise and Neil spent many weekends riding the roads “yard-sellin”. This always included a truck picnic for breakfast and lunch. Louise spent many weeks with her younger grandchildren Mae and Laura, also known as “the twins”, at their home in Paris, TN. She often treated them with cinnamon toast rolled up and cooked in a pan. Shane and Derek referred to her as Grandma, while Mae and Laura affectionately called her GaGa. When she became a great grandmother, she became GranGran. She was also known as LouLou; but never, never, call her Weezie. In her later years, she spent many hours with her fellow widows “The Golden Girls” going to town, grocery shopping and eating at Wendy’s. She never passed an opportunity for a chocolate frosty. At different times during the last few years, she suffered a broken hip, fractured both femurs, tibia, and fibula, as well as a compound fracture of the lower back. She endured several surgeries as a result of these injuries. She had no complaints and never gave up. Louise Clenney lived a life a full of love. She was loved and blessed by God and her family. She will be remembered as a kind and giving soul who cherished her family and her community. Her generous spirit will reside in the hearts of all that knew her forever. Momma, Grandma, GaGa, GranGran, we love you and will miss you. Ella Louise Clenney was preceded in death by her parents Vester and Ella Petty Ervin, her husband Neil Clenney, her sister Velma Ervin McBride, and her brother Virgil Ervin. She is survived by her two daughters Sherry Grice (Randy) and Karen Whitby (Scott); four grandchildren, Shane Grice (Kelli), Derek Grice (Jennifer), Mae Whitby, and Laura Whitby; four great grandchildren, Drew and Matt Grice and Ethan and Sara Howell; and four nephews, Charles McBride, Neil Ervin, Noel Ervin, and Stanley Ervin. The family will receive a drive through visitation Monday, September 7th from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Center Hill Cemetery. The graveside service will begin at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Center Hill Cemetery Fund.

Ms. Ella Louise Clenney

May 8, 1934 - September 5, 2020