Margaret Henry Ellis

February 7, 1931 – December 3, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Nixon Henry Ellis, who passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, in Garland, Texas, at the age of 93.

Margaret was born on February 7, 1931, in Martin’s Mill, Texas, to William and Ruby Nixon. She attended Martin’s Mill High School and moved to Dallas after graduation. In 1951, Margaret married Orville Henry. She enjoyed being a homemaker and participated in clubs and community organizations, making many lifelong friendships during her years in Mesquite, Texas. She moved to Garland, Texas, in 1974 and went on to earn a degree in accounting from Abilene Christian University.

Margaret married Robert Ellis in 1986. They shared many years of happy memories until his death.

Margaret embraced life with a positive outlook and a joyous spirit that was contagious to those around her. Known for her infectious laugh, her quick wit was enjoyed by her many friends. She had a deep appreciation for music, especially operas and musical performances, which brought her much joy.

Margaret was a longtime member of Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church and, more recently, a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Rockwall, Texas. Her faith was central to her life, and she found great joy in worship, fellowship, and volunteering within her church communities.

A certified Bridge Master, Margaret’s strategic mind and competitive spirit made her a formidable player and a beloved teammate. She was an avid traveler, achieving the remarkable feat of visiting all 50 states and all seven continents, embracing the beauty of the world with enthusiasm. She also loved hosting gatherings, bringing friends and family together with her warm hospitality.

Margaret found immense joy in gardening, cultivating beauty in her surroundings, and reading.

Margaret is survived by her children: Renay Shackelford and husband Mark, Donna Rosamond and husband Mike, and Dwain Henry; and by her second husband, Robert Ellis’s, children: Becky Barnes and husband Bob, Robert Ellis and wife Suzette, and William Ellis. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and their spouses, as well as 22 great-grandchildren.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Bonnie Abbott, her brother, Bill Nixon, and her husband Robert Ellis, with whom she shared many interests and happy years of marriage.

Burial will be a private family celebration of her life at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Margaret Ellis will forever be remembered for her adventurous spirit, unwavering faith, love of laughter, and the fun and memories she brought to all who knew her.

We are grateful that she enjoyed every minute of her life with boundless energy and eternal optimism. She was given many blessings and was very quick to be thankful to God for her life and the relationships she made along the way.

Her family would like to extend a very warm thanks to her caregivers at Garland Brookdale Senior Living and Faith Hospice. They contributed lovingly to her final days.