Mary Ellen Bell Johnson

Mary “Ellen” Bell Johnson, age 75, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Born in Nash County, NC on July 27, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Russell C. Bell and Thelma Eatman Bell. She was also preceded in death by her special niece, Amy Harvey.

A longtime member of Englewood Baptist Church, Ellen was a woman of great faith who loved and cherished her family, including her church family, and many special friends. Blessed with the talent of cooking, she was known for her delicious gatherings inside the family home during the holidays, birthdays, and special occasions but what she was most famous for was her chocolate pies. The Christmas Season always brought the brightest of smiles out of Ellen as it was her most joyous and favorite of them all as she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren who were her pride and joy. She enjoyed watching her TV shows, reading, and was a proud supporter of Diet Coke, as she could never be found without her favorite beverage close by. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend to many, Ellen will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her, but her loving spirit will never be forgotten as she was everything to her family.

Ellen is survived by her husband of 57 years, Ronnie Johnson; her son, Wayne Johnson (Heather) of Bailey; her daughter, Angie Starkweather (Kevin) of Rocky Mount; her grandchildren, Brittany Jones, Travis Starkweather (Kendall), Garrett Johnson, and Emma Johnson; her great-grandchild, Maverick Macklin; her sister, Jean Bell (Ricky) of Rocky Mount; her niece, Traci O’conney (Al); and her great-niece, Ciara O’conney.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Ellen’s life will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022, at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Chris Aiken and Kenneth Mullen officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Ellen’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to a charity of choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.