Mattie Lee Ellis, 80, of Newport passed from this life on November 19, 2022. She was born on April 29, 1942, to E.G. and Essie (Thompson) Neal.
Mattie aka Matt Matt to many was known for her outspoken, kind and motherly demeanor. Mattie was a mother to so many. She always made everyone feel welcomed and loved. Mattie enjoyed cooking, growing plants, working puzzle books and collecting several types of things.
Mattie was a 1961 graduate of Branch High School. Shortly after graduating, she moved to St. Louis and was employed as a CNA at Barnes Hospital for several years. Years later, she moved back to Arkansas, where she met and married Robert Ellis, with this union a family of love was combined.
The DuPrees are a special part of Mattie’s life. They are like family. She grew very fond of Jake, Will and Jim. She enjoyed watching them grow into young men. She loved them so much.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ellis; her parents, E.G. and Essie Neal; her daughter, Shelia Syms; her sisters, Mary Jean Grady and Mildred Swanson; her brothers, Larry Neal, Fredrick Neal, Aaron Howard and E.G. Neal Jr.
She is survived by her son, Jimmie Neal (Nicole) of Jonesboro, her step-sons, Jerry Ellis of Jonesboro and Ricky Ellis (Tanetta) of Georgia; her daughters, Sharon Neal of St. Louis and Sherry Murphy (Bobby) of Ocala, Florida; her step-daughters, Bobbie Jean Scott of Georgia, Judie Ellis of Batesville and Theresa Eslinger of Georgia; her brother, Arthur Neal (Mary Helen) of St. Louis; Grandchildren, Lamar Neal of Newport, Devante Neal of Newport, Ikeshia Murphy of Newport, Christian Neal of Jonesboro, Kiera Neal of Jonesboro and Jalen Neal of Jonesboro; her great-grandchild, Neveah Neal, Kensley Neal, Cario Neal and Koa Neal.
Service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Dillinger Funeral Home chapel. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 26, 2022. The interment will be at New Quiet Cemetery.
The repass will be held at the Diaz City Hall after the service.
