Willodene McBride Ellis, age 96, of Sparta, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026, at St. Thomas Highlands Hospital.
Willodene was born on April 22, 1930, in Sparta, Tennessee. She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, William “Bill” Ellis, who died January 12, 2008; parents, Joe Lester McBride and Maggie Huddleston McBride Shinkle; brother Joe McBride and wife Marie Stewart McBride; sister Katherine McBride Bell and husband Lorie F. Bell.
Willodene, affectionately called MeMa, so loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a people person with a passion for helping anyone she could and loved watching the UT Ladies Basketball Team.
Throughout her years, she was the captain of the Yankeetown Girls Basketball team, worked for her dad at McBride’s Cafe, and spent years as the Business Office Manager at White County Hospital.
“The family would like to thank the staff at NHC of Sparta and especially Abby David, Brenda Bumbalough, Torie Kettle, Marchelle Kettle and Jennifer Selby for all the love and care they gave our mother during her stay.”
Graveside services will be conducted 11 am Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Highland Cemetery. There will be no public visitation prior to the service.
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