MOUNT VERNON — Wilma Jean Ellis, 86, of Mt. Vernon, passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at her home.

She was born September 19, 1937, in Texico, Illinois, the daughter of Gus and Ruth (Jolly) Whitson.  On October 15, 1955, in Benton, Illinois, she married Jerry Evert Ellis, and he preceded her in death on February 17, 2020.  She worked as a medical coder for many years.  She graduated from Center School and Mount Vernon Township High School, and was a member of Zion United Methodist Church.

She is survived by one son, Jerry A. Ellis and wife Gina of Mt. Vernon; two daughters, Paula Penrod of Mt. Vernon, and Marcia Scott and husband Mike of Bluford; eight grandchildren, Shawn Poole, Stacie Chambliss, Jennifer Donoho, Christopher Ellis, Amanda Flanagan, Rebekah Thomason, Jessica Hagemann, and Joshua Scott;  and eighteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Jerry E. Ellis, she was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Veda Bergeron, Marie Knowles, and Marcel Harvey; and an infant brother and sister.

Funeral services for Mrs. Ellis will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Zion United Methodist Church, with Rev. Elton Storey officiating.  Burial will follow at Harmony Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service, Saturday, December 23, 2023, at the church.  Memorial gifts may be made to the Zion United Methodist Church or the Harmony Cemetery, and will be accepted at the service, or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830.  Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.