Obituary of Ellene Annette Wise Southerland

Ellene Annette Wise Southerland, age 72, passed away at home on Monday, November 21, 2022. She was surrounded by her loving family, husband James, daughter Donyelle, son in law Scott and her treasured grandchildren, Alexandra, Jeremy & Amelia. Ellene was born in Darby, Pennsylvania on May 21, 1950 to the late Harold Robert Wise and late Lona Beatrice Wise. She grew up in Yeadon, Pa and after she graduated high school in 1968, she went on to get her associate degree in computer science.

 

Ellene worked as an executive for Travelers Insurance Company in Philadelphia, Pa. for many years. Once retiring to Aiken with her husband James, she became very active in her community where she met lots of friends. She loved to play mahjong, do swimming aerobics & continued her love of baking. Her coconut cake was a favorite of all.

 

While in Aiken, her artistic side began to blossom. She started painting with oil, acrylic, pastels and watercolors, then discovered colored pencils and alcohol inks. She quickly began to perfect her skills and became an award-winning artist at the Aiken Artist Guild. She also worked with Art & Soul of Aiken where she met many friends in the art world. Her work was admired and recognized by her peers and community. Her special handmade cards for family and friends were one of her trademarks.

 

Another passion that Ellene loved to pursue was travel. She and her husband cruised frequently and when not traveling, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was also quite the card shark and taught them everything she knew. Naturally, she spoiled them every chance she got. Whenever they were around, her motto was “You can have whatever you like” – and “Mom Mom” always made sure to deliver on those words!

 

Ellene leaves behind her husband James Southerland, daughter Donyelle Taylor, son-in-law Scott Taylor, brother Kenneth Charles Wise, sister-in-law Angela Wise. Ellene was preceded in death by her older brother Robert Wise who leaves behind her sister-in-law Dee Peterson Wise.  Ellene also leaves her grandchildren, Alexandra Louise Taylor, Jeremy Robert Taylor & Amelia Paige Taylor. In addition, she leaves behind a nephew Robert Wise Jr. and 2 nieces Stephanie Myers & Kimberly Wright.

 

In Lieu of flowers donations can be graciously made to The American Cancer Association – lung cancer division and/or the Aiken Artist Guild.

 

Thank you to the community of Woodside and all of the friends she has made throughout her 15 years here in Aiken. And a heartfelt thanks to the amazing doctors, nurses & Pruitt Hospice care givers who helped guide her through her cancer battle and made her transition peaceful.

 

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com

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