Mildred 'Boot's Pearson Ellis

Boots, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and faithful servant of her Lord, passed away on August 10, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories that will be cherished by all who knew her.

Boots was born on August 23, 1933 and raised in Stewart, Mississippi. She graduated from Kilmichael High School in 1951 where she was a cheerleader and honored to be named Most Beautiful and Best Dressed. The Kilmichael basketball coach gave her a spot on the women’s basketball team so she could ride the team bus to the games with her future husband, a KHS basketball player. She could not play basketball.

Boots soon married the love of her life, Leon Ellis. They eventually settled in Louisville, Mississippi, where they began building their life together and raising their son, Tim. Boots became an active part of the community as a member of First Baptist Church of Louisville and the Louisville Garden Club. She especially treasured her 31 Card Club, which met for many years in her home. Those gatherings were about far more than cards – they were about friendship, laughter, fellowship and the joy of spending time together.

She had many jobs outside the home throughout her life, but her most cherished roles were being a wife, mother and grandmother. Her family was her greatest accomplishment and joy. According to Tim’s wife, Vicki, she was the world’s best mother-in-law and Vicki is forever grateful for the blessing of having Boots as her second mother.

She is famous within the family for her Thanksgiving chicken and dressing. Her daughter-in-law and her grandsons’ wives have all unsuccessfully tried to replicate it, even following her live and videoed instructions. These younger women have simply been unable to use off-label and expired ingredients to recreate Boots’ masterpiece. She also loved her Facebook community, often posting pictures of the flowers she grew over and over and over again, and happily counting her birthday messages and ‘likes’.

Boots was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Leon, her sister, Mavis Devine and her brother Doyle Pearson. She is survived by her son, Tim Ellis and his wife, Vicki. She is also survived by three grandsons, Austin Ellis (Julia); Peyton Ellis (Bailey); and Reed Ellis (Marita) along with eight great-grandchildren, who brought her immense pride and joy.

Boots greatest legacy is found in the people she loved and the lives she touched. She taught her family the importance of showing up, taking care of one another, enjoying friends and finding something to laugh about. She loved deeply, dressed beautifully, and when frustrated would throw up her hands and just say, “ever what”! Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love will remain with her family forever.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, August 14th followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home, 114 Burney Drive, Flowood, Mississippi, 39232. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Help Hope Live, 2 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 100, 100 Matsonford Rd, Radnor, PA 19087, in honor of Lucas Ellis, Boots’ great-grandson; or online at helphopelive.org/campaign/22306/