Myrna Brink Ellison

I am writing to share that at the age of 92, my precious Momma left this earth on May 17, 2022.  It was Myrna’s request to be cremated.  Arrangements are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman, Texas.  A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2022, at Stevens Funeral Home, located at 400 W. Pecan Street, Coleman, Texas.  Officiant will be Clint Douglas DeGroot, Executive Pastor from Dominion Church in Dickinson, Texas.  There will be a private family inurnment at a later date.

Remembrances and condolences can be expressed to the family via the virtual guestbook at www.stevensfuneralhome.com/obituary/MyrnaBrinkEllison.  Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ellison family.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the devoted nurses and staff of Holiday Hill Nursing Home for their loving care and attention given to Myrna.  The family would also like to thank J. Paul Reynolds, M.D., for the years of his exceptional quality of care given to Myrna.  She greatly appreciated and loved Dr. Reynolds.

Myrna was born in Whon, Texas, in Coleman County in the year 1929.  She was the first born daughter of Jewel Edgar Farris and Okla Belle (Avants) Farris.  She was raised mostly in Coleman County and attended high school in Mozelle, Texas.

While living in Coleman, Myrna was involved in various community activities ranging from being a Troop leader in the Girl Scouts, teaching Sunday School, Bridge Clubs, the First United Methodist Church and her Sorority.  She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Coleman for many years.

In December 2000 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, she married Charles Ralph Ellison II, whom she claimed as “the love of her life.”  They both resided in Coleman until his passing on October 10, 2011.

She loved living her earthly life, even the trials and tribulations.  She never wanted to miss a thing.  She “endured.”  I’ve only known one other woman so strong and determined to live each day and that was her Mother and my Grandmother, Okla Belle Farris.  I am so blessed to come from good stock.  It has been my greatest privilege to be her daughter.  We have been able to build so many memories throughout the years.

Myrna was strikingly beautiful and had an unyielding strength.  She loved me “more” and loved me “too” and shaped my life through her own experiences and wisdom.  I was honored to be a caretaker for her over the course of time.  When asked, she always replied, “I’m fine,” even as her voice grew faint.  That incredible strength will always amaze me.  I am thankful for such a family trait that will pass on to future generations.

Myrna was wonderfully unique.  She loved to travel and was blessed to have done so with her then husband, Dr. A. O. Brink, before his passing.  They were mostly accompanied by her running buddies, Don and Marian Johnson and J. E. McDaniel.  Many wonderful memories were made by this group and all that goodness has remained and is still cherished to this day.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jewel Edgar (J. E.) Farris and Okla Belle Farris; two brothers, Jerry Farris and Pete Farris; one sister, Bille Ricke and her oldest daughter, Fredda Kay White.

Myrna is survived by her daughter, Tonna (White) DeMaet; three step-sons, Charles Ralph (Chuck) Ellison III and wife, Cyndy of College Station, David Bent Ellison and wife, Pam of Granbury and John Stratton (Jack) Ellison of Granbury.  Myrna has three grandchildren, six step-grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

I love you Momma.

Psalms 46:1-2

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

This obituary was lovingly composed by Myrna’s daughter, Tonna DeMaet, as a tribute to her mother.