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Obituaries

Ellen Saffa

07/22/1961 - 05/23/2018

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Obituary For Ellen Saffa

Ellen Frances Martin Saffa was born in Booneville, Mississippi on July 22, 1961. She went to her Lord and Savior the early morning hours of May 23, 2018. She was at home surrounded by loved ones. She is preceded by her mother Betty Jo Martin who passed when Ellen was three, her father Ruben Walker Martin a decorated WWII and Korean War veteran, her older brother Dillard, loving sister Illora, her younger brother Patrick, and her precious son William “Trey” Curtis Bryant III. Incandescent, loving, witty, generous, face-always-towards-the-sun, she spent the past two years celebrating life as she courageously battled with cancer. She knew no strangers. She always had a kind word of encouragement for her fellow warriors in this struggle during her many visits with the wonderful doctors and staff at Texas Oncology. The letters, cards, phone calls and visits from family and friends gave her joy during this time. Her dear friend Judy Butler supported her during each period of treatment, and for this she always said was a special place in Heaven for Judy. Her ending in this world came much more peacefully due to the love and care of Robin Atherton and Susan Masters Dungan who, as her condition evolved used gentleness and prayer to see to her comfort around the clock. They became and continued to be sisters since Ellen moved to Sherman in 1980 and went to work at Wilson N. Jones Hospital and later Sunbelt Savings. She is survived by her husband, Richard Saffa of Sherman and son Joshua Martin Bryant of Plano, sister Teresa Massey and family in Gulfport MS, brother Jim Martin and family of Collierville TN, brother Billy Martin and family of Booneville, and brother Paul and his family of Corinth MS. Her nieces, nephews and their children were a special part of her life. Ellen loved being a member of the Dallas Museum of Art and never wanted to miss a new exhibit or an exhibition at the Dallas Arboretum. Anne Sexton wrote, “As it has been said: Love and a cough cannot be concealed. Even a small cough. Even a small love.” Ellen’s was a heart of loves great and small, and she shared them all with those around her each day of her radiant life. She will be missed dearly. There will be a celebration of Ellen's life on Sunday, May 27 at 2:00 PM at Dannel Funeral Home, 302 S. Walnut, in Sherman. Rev. Susan Dungan of Fellowship United Methodist Church in Bossier City, Louisiana will officiate. The family will greet friends after the service. Interment will be in Booneville, MS at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home Hospice of Grayson County.

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Condolences

  • 06/05/2018

    Kathy Volking

    I have known Ellen since we were just little kids at school. She always made me laugh!! I still think of fun times we had during our school years. God bless your family sweet girl as they will miss you terribly!! You did your job as a mom, sister, wife, and friend!! Well done! ~ Kathy Volking, Booneville, Mississippi

  • 05/31/2018

    Tammy loveless Beckwith

    Ellen was my class mate and I am saddened of her passing. I know she is happy now and in peace. Loved her. ~ Tammy loveless Beckwith, Booneville, Mississippi

  • 05/27/2018

    Gina Jackson

    Love you always my friend!!!!!! ~ Gina Jackson, Booneville, Mississippi

  • 05/26/2018

    Dennis Horn

    Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I'll miss you Until we meet again! -- Author Unknown ~ Dennis Horn, Little Rock, Arkansas

  • 05/26/2018

    Terry Lee

    Prayers for family & friends. She will be missed. Find comfort & strength in Jesus' name. ~ Terry Lee, Booneville, Mississippi

  • 05/26/2018

    Rhonda Prather

    May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. They stories I could tell. I will forever miss and love you. ~ Rhonda Prather, Corinth, Mississippi

  • 05/26/2018

    Charlette Williams

    ~ Charlette Williams, Boonevill, Mississippi

  • 05/26/2018

    Gina Jackson

    Ellen my sweet Ellen the times we shared I hold so dear to my heart as you loved with your entire heart.We went from Atlanta to Dallas Texas following the MSU Dawgs and you took Kerstein in like she was yours.She's still got the Globe you gave her when she was 5 and just at Easter you sent me a picture of Kerstein and Josh and the sweetest letter you were my friend,you was my friend and your still my friend.I hope when you entered them gates with your loved ones including Kirby and Kevin greating you with open arms.I sure miss you and the talks and letters we had this last year I will so miss but you held it in that you were batteling this C word I'm sure because you was pulling me thru Kirby s passing..We will meet again my friend.I miss you already.RIP my love.Gina Jackson ~ Gina Jackson, Booneville, Mississippi

  • 05/26/2018

    Gina Jackson

    Love you sweet friend.This lite rem I miss me of you always shining. ~ Gina Jackson, Booneville, Mississippi

  • 05/26/2018

    Joy Stone Dial

    In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. ~ Joy Stone Dial, Abilene, Texas

  • 05/26/2018

    Marla Clark

    My last conversation with Ellen was so sweet! It was in the fall and she asked for prayers. We caught up with each others life and we talked about life and death. She asked for me to pray over her and as the ugly C word was discussed she knew her time was short. I was overcome by her strength and faith. Heaven has an uplifting sweet girl. Prayers for all the family. ~ Marla Clark, Germantown, Tennessee

  • 05/25/2018

    Debra Adlof Sudderth

    My condolences to Ellens family and friends. God bless you all with comfort and peace. ~ Debra Adlof Sudderth, Plano, Texas

  • 05/25/2018

    Gary Cummings

    My condolences and prayers for Richard and the family! May God strengthen you and comfort you during your grief and mourning! May God Bless you with a peace that surpasses understanding that allows you to heal and rest!! May God Bless!!! Gary Cummings ~ Gary Cummings, Sherman, Texas

  • 05/25/2018

    Claudette Burch Ashworth

    Will miss you my dear friend. ~ Claudette Burch Ashworth, Brookhaven booneville high s, Mississippi

  • 05/25/2018

    Deborah Limerick

    My sympathy goes to Ellens family and friends, especially to Teresa, Jim, and Billy, childhood friends of mine. Ellen was the most beautiful child ever. You may say all little girls are cute. No, not the way Ellen was. She was stunning. Sounds as if she turned out as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. ~ Deborah Limerick, Tupelo, Mississippi

  • 05/25/2018

    Mitch & Debbie Barrett

    May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. ~ Mitch & Debbie Barrett, Booneville, Mississippi

  • 05/25/2018

    Michelle Bryan

    Prayers and love for all of Ellens family. Sincerely, Michelle Martin Bryan ~ Michelle Bryan, Tupelo, Mississippi

  • 05/24/2018

    Kathy Lawrence

    Ellen was a lovely lady who I enjoyed knowing very much. ~ Kathy Lawrence, Edmond, Oklahoma

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