Bertha Vernice Ellisor

Bertha Vernice Ellisor June 7, 1919 to November 27, 2013 Born in Bedias the 2nd child of 3 children (Ervin, oldest; James, youngest) to Radford & Beulah Bracewell Nesmith. Her mother died shortly after the birth of James from Tuberculosis. Vernice was sent to live in an orphan's home but rejoined the family when Radford married Lucy Mae Johnson Nesmith and had 14 more children. Vernice loved these children and cared for them devotedly. She was raised picking cotton and helping care for her younger siblings. She married Robert Brown and had 3 sons from this marriage & then divorced. On March 28, 1959, she married James Curtis Ellisor and they were the love of each other's lives until his death on June 6, 2004. She is survived by: sons, Danny Elton Brown (Lois) of Huntsville; Joe Robert Brown (Ann) of Palestine; and daughters, Jamie Sue Ellisor Brinegar (Donald) and Penny Renee Ellisor Fowler (Donald) all of Huntsville. Grandchildren include: Bobby Brown of Colorado; Veronica (Jake) Barrington of Lumberton; Dana Tutor, Sheryl Keys (Russell) & Becky Brown of Huntsville; Connie Gongre (Gary) of Huntsville; John Brown (Pam) of Palestine; Matt Brinegar (Leanne) of Huntsville; Jessica Cates (Bryan) and Donna Brinegar of New Waverly; Lindsey Fowler Davis of Huntsville; and 10 great-grandchildren. Also, brothers & sisters: Mitchell Nesmith; Doyle Nesmith; Bobby Nesmith; Charlie Nesmith; John Nesmith; Wilbur Nesmith; Billy Nesmith; Jesse Nesmith; Janie Sue Nesmith; and Kit Raymond. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Curtis Ellisor; and son, Robert X. (Bobby Frank) Brown; brothers: Ervin Nesmith, James Nesmith, Elmer Nesmith, Howard Nesmith; and sisters, Jewel Milstid and Louise James. After marrying Curtis at 40 years of age, she was determined to give him children since he had none of his own. She had had 3 grown sons from her previous marriage. At the age of 41, she had a baby girl; and 11 months later she had another baby girl. The girls were the highlight of their lives. After the girls were older she attended the beauty college of Huntsville in cosmetology, often trying out the hairstyles on her two girls. Needless to say, they soon figured it out & would hide whenever she started getting her hair salon supplies out. But waitressing was always her love and she worked many years at many of the best cafes/restaurants (Bobbitt's' Chicken Shack, The Chef, Cafe Texan, Terry's Restaurant, Glynn Turner's, Tinsleys) as well as Piggly Wiggly in town. She was always loved by her co-workers & affectionately called "Bernie" by them. Curtis was physically handicapped due to all his heart surgeries and unable to work physically so she had to be the breadwinner for the family. She would often work 8 hours; return home to only have to return again a few hours later to work another shift. It was while she worked at Terry's Restaurant that Curtis decided to run for County Road Commissioner Pct #3. He served for a total of 16 years and she was able to retire from waitressing. Vernice received excellent care from many people whom she held very dear. Dr. Tommy Cole cared for both Curtis and Vernice for many years. They could not have asked for a more caring and committed physician. Upon the passing of her love Curtis, Vernice was able to stay in her home for six and a half years under the care of her friend and dear companion, Ms. Barbie Vaughn. She has most recently been cared for by Divine Life Change for the past two and half years. The family also thanks Odyssey Hospice and nurse Nancy Solara for making her last year on earth the best it could possibly be. She always loved her family & visitors and getting together the family for family reunions. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 2, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Huntsville, Texas with Rev. Reagan Cooksey officiating. Interment will follow in Mayes Addition of Oakwood Cemetery in Huntsville. Family will receive friends Sunday, December 1, 2013, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com.

Bertha Vernice Ellisor

January 1, 1753 - December 2, 2013