Mary Ann Hamilton Ellison

Mary Ann Hamilton Ellison

Ann (Mary Ann) Ellison was born on December 27th, 1926, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was the daughter of Noah and Mollie Brothers Hamilton, business owners operating grocery stores in Fort Smith and Van Buren. Mary Ann was active in school and church activities in Fort Smith. She was also an avid and accomplished pianist, a talent she continued throughout her adulthood. While attending Ouachita College, she met Don Ellison, an Army Private stationed at Fort Chaffee. He left for Germany in early 1945, returning in 1946 when they became engaged and married. Don joined the Air Force in 1951, serving as an officer for almost 20 years. They started a family in 1952 with the birth of their daughter, Martha, followed by three sons, Don, David and Richard. Her husband’s military career took them throughout the US with posts in Alabama, Florida, California, Washington D.C., and Tennessee. They settled in Vienna VA, after military retirement in 1970. Ann served in leadership roles in the Christian Women’s Club, Shouse Village Garden Club and Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church where she also led children’s choirs. She became a piano teacher serving children in the Vienna area for over 30 years and participated in Metro DC music teacher education sessions.

Mary Ann Ellison is survived by her 4 children; 8 granddaughters: Beth Yingling Powell, Aimee Yingling Cisek, Alita Davis McCaleb, Kathy Ellison, Grace Ellison, Molly Ellison, L.A. Mars, and Kristy Ellison; and 3 great grandsons: Max McCaleb, Marek Ciszek and Rhys Ciszek.

Memorial Service for Donald W. Ellison and Mary Ann Ellison will be at 1 PM, April 6, 2024, at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, 1301 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182. Donations may be made in Donald and Mary Ann’s name to Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church and The Gideons International.