Obituary of Mary Ellen Tanner Tomlinson

Mary Ellen Tanner Tomlinson, 99 of Big Island, died Saturday, November 21, 2015 in Oakwood Manor Nursing Home. She was born January 4, 1916 in Bedford County, a daughter of the late William Franklin Tanner and Mary Lee Thornton Tanner. Mary Ellen was the devoted wife of the late Astor Theodore Tomlinson and a long-time member of Hunting Creek Baptist Church. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Patsy Lee Tomlinson; and two sons, William Stephen Tomlinson and Quentin Barry Tomlinson. Mary Ellen is survived by three daughters: Ann Hale (Peter, deceased), Gail Wilcher (David), and Mona Kanode (Kenny); a special niece, Eva Yoder; thirteen grandchildren: Sabrina Tomlinson, Lynn Glass, Benjamin Tomlinson, Barbara Carter, Joy Tomlinson, Dale Tomlinson, Christie Sweeney, Mary-Anna DeSoto, Robert Wilcher, John Wilcher, Michael Wilcher, Quen Hodges, and Heidi Draper; 20 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the Big Island Volunteer Fire Department or Big Island Emergency Crew or Hunting Creek Baptist Church. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at Hunting Creek Baptist Church in Big Island, VA with the Rev. Carey Snellings officiating. Visitation and luncheon will follow the funeral in the church fellowship hall. To send condolences, please visit www.updikefuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Bedford, 586-3304.