Martha Brumley Ellis

Martha Brumley Ellis of Sea Island departed her beautifully-lived life on the 4th of July, 2021. Impeccable timing, as those who knew her even a little understood that Martha sparkled from within and from afar.

Martha was born in April of 1937 to George William and Helen Perry Brumley. She grew up in

St. Mary’s, Georgia, and is a UGA alumna. She has been a member of St. Simons Presbyterian Church since 1974. Martha and Lamar Ellis were grateful to meet each other after having lost their spouses, and they shared their lives together on Sea Island, in Highlands, and in Atlanta.

Martha was a collector, and her most precious collection was a vast, vibrant, and varied group of people who rightly claim that they had a special bond with her. The family has heard this sentiment from people for years regarding Martha, and each member of the family can very much relate, for each understands what it is to enjoy a unique bond with her and be adored by her. She cultivated this most valuable collection with a generous spirit, ample humor, and genuine interest; she leaves us all with a legacy of celebrating and loving people while intentionally creating spaces and opportunities for them to love and enjoy each other along with her. She was a passionately proud mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, spouse, and friend, and she will be remembered for her joyful devotion, warmth, and hospitality. She never sparkled more than when she was surrounded by those she loved dearly.

She is survived by her husband Lamar Hamilton Ellis, Jr. of Sea Island; Frank Warner Brumley and Blanche Cauthen Brumley of Charleston, SC; son Thaddeus Brumley and Bonnie Smith of Columbus, GA; daughter Elizabeth Smith and Brett Rule of Charlotte, NC; son William Warner and Rachel Smith of Dublin, GA; grandchildren Elizabeth Brumley Smith, Clark Perry Smith,

Taylor Thomas Rule, William Duncan Rule, Holloway Hillman Rule, William Warner Smith, Jr., Jenkins Vandiver Smith, Joseph Conner Smith, and Thomas Lawson Smith; nieces and nephews Jane Brumley Hamann, Katherine Brumley Kronzer, Nancy Brumley Robitaille, and Marie Brumley Foster; Jennifer Ellis and Michael Murray of Greensboro, NC; Michael Ellis

Murray, Charles Hamilton Murray, and Elizabeth Yancey Murray; Lamar Hamilton and Jennifer Ellis III, Haylee Joan Ellis, and Laura Katherine Ellis of Atlanta, GA. She was preceded in death by her brother George William Brumley, Jr. and Jean Stanback Brumley; nephew George William Brumley III; and nieces Elizabeth Brumley Love, Lois Brumley Morrell, and Leigh Brumley Smith.

Martha was committed to supporting groups and organizations that built community, and she loved belonging to groups that made the world a more beautiful and joyful place. Her gardening groups, boards, and societies were of unique significance in her life as were organizations to preserve the beauty and history of Coastal Georgia. Martha loved a party, so she was also thrilled to participate in any efforts to promote the celebration of living and enjoying each other’s company. She was a gracious host and a vivacious guest, and she modeled for us all a brilliant balance of dignified responsibility, lifelong learning, and delightful enjoyment. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to support the organization, society, or cause significant in your connection to Martha.

A celebration of Martha will be held at St. Simons Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 10th, 2021 at 1:00pm. The family will receive guests in the Social Hall following the service. Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com