Ellen Cook Elam 

Published 12:53 pm Monday, March 22, 2021

Ellen Cook Elam

March 21, 2021

Ellen Cook Elam, 87, of Bainbridge, Ga., passed away Sunday, March 21, 2021.

The graveside funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at Whites Bridge Cemetery with Pastor Larry Harrell officiating. Bobby Mills, Rick Landeen, Matthew Phillips, Gene Dunlap, David Davis, and Chris Beaty will serve as active pallbearers. Due to the ongoing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, those attending are asked to maintain the recommended safe social distancing of six feet and/or wear protective masks in accordance with the State of Georgia guidelines.

Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com. Memorial donations may be made to Kindred Hospice, 432 E. Shotwell Street, Bainbridge, GA 39819.

Mary Ellen Cook was born December 17, 1933 in Bascom, Fla., one of twin daughters of Harvey and Nadine Harrington Cook. Ellen lived most of her life in Decatur County where she worked for years at Bainbridge State Hospital. She was a member of Harmony Baptist Church.

Known to be feisty and often described as a spitfire, Ellen kept her children on the straight and narrow. Her grandchildren were her heart and snacks were always in abundance. Ellen enjoyed gospel sings, participating in church activities, and loving her church family. She was a homebody but filled her time with word puzzles and sewing.

Survivors include her children, John Jr. & Kathryn Phillips of Georgetown, Ga., Jane Campbell and Juanita Wilder both of Bainbridge, and Roy Phillips of Colquitt; her twin sister, Helen Dunlap; and her ten grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Ellen was preceded in death by her husbands, George Elam and John W. Phillips; her son, Earl Phillips; and her siblings, Howard Cook and Annie Ruth Davis.