Mary Ellen Hollowell, aged 98, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 16, 2024, at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, Kentucky. Mary was born on June 17, 1926, in Memphis, Tennessee to George C. and Sarah Jane Nellius Dupree.
Mary Ellen contributed to the lives of young people by working in the cafeteria at Jetton Junior High. She retired from Owen's Cleaners and was a member of Harmony Baptist Church. A lover of nature, Mary Ellen found solace and happiness in the outdoors. She spent countless hours tending to her yard work. She created a sanctuary for the hummingbirds she adored watching, and their presence brought her immense pleasure. Mary Ellen's love extended to her cherished grand dogs, Chica and Drake. Her affection for them was a testament to her capacity for love and the joy she found in life's simple pleasures.
She is survived by her three children, Renee Hollowell of Kevil, KY, Carol Hagan of Paducah, and Eugene Edward “Eddie” Hampton of Paducah; four grandchildren Billy (Kim) Hagan, Melissa Wallace, Heather (Ash) Mason, and Morgan Wiggins; three great-grandchildren, Aaron Hagan, Daniel Hagan and Shelby Hill; several nieces and nephews along with a special caregiver, Robin Holt.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, E.W. Hollowell Jr.; her seven siblings, Emma McKenzie, Violet Wyatt, Jessie Dupree, Ferdinand Dupree, Clyde Dupree, William Dupree, and George Dupree.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Kendrick Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the McCracken County Humane Society, 4000 Coleman Road, Paducah, KY 42001, or mccrackenhumane.org/donate/. Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
