DORTCHES- Bessie Morton "Mimi" Ellen, 95, died August 22, 2006. She was born March 15, 1911 in Rocky Mount to Julius Edward and Annie Hewitt Morton.

Mrs. Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel J. Ellen, Sr.; her parents; brothers, Thomas E., Leonard and William S. Morton; sisters, Katherine M. Morton and Grace Hewitt Patterson; grandson Jamie Ellen and daughter in law Carol Ellen.

Survivors include her brother, Jessie C. Morton and sister-in-law Virginia B. Morton and beloved sister, Vella Mae Freeman. She is also survived by her three sons; S. James Ellen, Jr., and wife Sharon, Julius E. Ellen and William C. Ellen and wife Sylvia; 5 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and former daughter in law Isabelle Corbett.

Funeral service were held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Dortches Baptist Church with Dr. Chet Raines officiating. Burial followed at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family received friends at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home from Friday night.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Dortches Baptist Church Building Fund, 4776 Dortches Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.