Tanna Ellis Sullivan

Tanna Ellis Sullivan May 3, 1926 - January 29, 2025 The Lord called Tanna Ellis Sullivan to her heavenly home on January 29, 2025, at the age of 98. She passed peacefully at home in Huntsville, surrounded by her loving family. Tanna was born on May 3, 1926, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Henry Guy Ellis and Mary Eleanor Smith-Ellis. She graduated from Wichita Falls High School and later pursued her calling as a nurse, earning her degree from John Sealy School of Nursing in Galveston. She proudly served in the Women's Army Corps from 1946 to 1947. In 1947, Tanna married Navy veteran William Carl Sullivan of Riverside, Texas. Together, they built a life in Houston, Huntsville, and Riverside. She dedicated her career to caring for others, working in various hospitals and doctor's offices in the Houston area. She also provided private duty nursing for children with special needs and later became a nursing home administrator as well as director of nursing in Southeast Texas. Tanna's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She dedicated herself to serving the Lord in the early 1960s and was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, Riverside Baptist Church, and University Heights Baptist Church. She played a vital role in Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and the Women's Missionary Union, once serving as Associational WMU Director. Her passion for ministry led her to Idaho at age 77 to establish a church library and at 80 on a mission trip to Romania for a prayer walk. She also founded the "Mat Ministry," which continues to this day. Tanna was known for her boundless love, unwavering faith, and joyful spirit. She found joy in traveling, spending time with family, and sharing her love for Jesus with everyone she met. A devoted prayer warrior, she carried the needs of others in her heart and lifted them up in faith. She had a well-known sweet tooth and never hesitated to share her stash with those around her. Though she jokingly called herself "cantankerous," she was anything but - her life was a testament to love, kindness, and service. Without a doubt, she was welcomed into Heaven with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Tanna was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Guy Ellis and Mary Eleanor Smith-Ellis; her sisters, Evelyn Auld and Gladys Babcock; her beloved husband of 42 years, Carl Sullivan; her son, Johnny Sullivan; her granddaughter, Kristy Lawson and her husband, Troy; and her great-grandchildren, Cameron and Kara Beth Lawson. Tanna is survived by her devoted family, including her daughters: Sheryl Anne Nelson and husband Dewayne of San Antonio, Linda Clinton and husband Wayne of Huntsville, and Elaine Briscoe and husband Arnie of Willis. Her grandchildren: Dr. Gregory Wayne Nelson and wife Kimberly Rae of Bulverde, Dr. Tawnya Nail and husband Rusty of Huntsville, J.C. Crow and wife Jennifer of Robinson, Adam Briscoe and wife Cathleen of Spring, and Shannon Thomas and husband J.J. of Normangee. Her great-grandchildren: Cameron James Nelson; Collin Nail and wife Cheyenne; Bryson Nail and wife Lindley; Alyssa Nail; Claire Crow-Valenzuela and husband Andre; Garrett, Colby, Drew, and Amber Crow; Conner Briscoe; Seth Hoppas; Kealy York; Joe York and fiancée Ella Shofner; and Layne York. Her great-great-grandchildren: Fischer, Laiken, Khloe, and Hayes. Services will be directed by Sam Houston Funeral Home, with Dr. Richard Rogers, Pastor of University Heights Baptist Church, officiating. Pallbearers will be her great-grandsons: Cameron, Collin, Bryson, Connor, Colby, Garrett, Drew, Joe, and Layne. Honorary Pallbearers include Doug McKarall and Billy Henry. Visitation will be held on February 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM at University Heights Baptist Church in Huntsville, TX, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 PM. Burial will take place at Brooke Cemetery in Huntsville. In lieu of flowers consider making donations to University Heights Baptist Church. Memorial condolences may be made to the family at www.shmfh.com.