Willodene McBride Ellis, age 96 of Sparta, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026 at St. Thomas Highlands Hospital.

Willodene was born 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.

Surviving family members are her daughters, Tamara Ellis Narramore Neely and Dana Ellis

Granddaughter: Misty Narramore (Jason) Allen

Grandson: Lee (Shanea) Narramore

Great-grandsons: Tyler Pinegar, Austin Pinegar, and Kyler Allen

A host of nieces and nephews also survive

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.

Through out her years she was captain the of the Yankeetown Girls Basketball team, worked for her dad at McBride's Cafe, and spent years being 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 11:00am Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Highland Cemetery. There will be no public visitation prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Highland Cemetery, PO Box 6356, Sparta, Tennessee 38583 would be greatly appreciated