Georgia Mae Cawthon

August 2, 1932, Hallie Q. Ellis and Maggie Upchurch Ellis became the proud parents of a baby girl, Georgia Mae Ellis.  She was born in Whitlock, TN and was the third child of three children.  She transitioned peacefully on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at the blessed age of 91.

At the age of 12, she became a member of Birds Creek M.B.C.   She received her education at Birds Creek School (Whitlock, TN), Central High School (Paris, TN c/o ’51) and Malcolm X College (Chicago, IL).

On January 6, 1952, she joined in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Dan Cawthon of Jacks Creek, TN.   This marriage was blessed with two children, Winifred Patricia Nell Cawthon and Danny Edward Cawthon.  After marriage, Georgia and Dan moved to Trenton, TN for 4 ½ years and later moved their family to Chicago, IL in 1956.  She retired from the Chicago Board of Education in 1980 and she, Dan, and her mother (Maggie E. Ellis) all being retired returned to their Tennessee roots setting up their homes in Paris, TN.  

In Chicago, she united with Garfield Park M.B.C. under the leadership of Rev G.F. Powell.  Four years later, she was lead by God to further Christian education at the United Faith Tabernacle M.B.C under the leadership of Pastor and Founder Willie A. Treadwell.  She was one of 18 charter members. At her passing, she was a member of Cedar Hill M.B.C. under the leadership of Reverend Kenneth Humphreys.

She was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star Naomi Chapter #1 of Chicago, IL and Sheba Chapter #109 of Paris, TN.   She was also the founder and former Director of the Jolly Women’s Club of Paris, TN, a member of the Missionary Society of Cedar Hill, and the oldest Mother at Cedar Hill M.B.C.

She loved to cook and was well known for her cakes, pies and everything in between.  She was very creative and often decorated for churches and local events – known for cutting our her famous letters by hand without any stencil or tracing.  She also made corsages, Easter baskets, flower arrangements, did artwork and wrote poetry.   She enjoyed traveling and riding her stationary bike, which she faithfully rode each morning until age 88.  And, she didn’t let us forget that she was one of the star basketball players in high school.   For anyone who knew her, we also can’t forget that she was about business and all things being decent and in order.  She was such a loving and giving spirit and of course for anyone who knew and loved Ms. Georgia, they know that she spoke her mind – whatever came up, came out.

She was preceded in death by her father, Hallie Q. Ellis; mother, Maggie Ellis; brother, James L. Ellis and husband, Dan Cawthon.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Winifred “Pat” Wofford (Eddie); son, Danny Cawthon (Linda); 8 Grandchildren - Shalonda Cawthon, Eddie Wofford, Jr, Antwon Lott, Andrew Cawthon, Sheree Wofford, Unique Cawthon, Mary Cawthon and Pinkie Wofford; 22 Great-grandchildren, 1 Great-great grandchild; and 1 god daughter, Leslie D. Washington. She also leaves to cherish a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Recognition of other special people in Ms. Georgia’s life include Mary Carol Johnson, Derotha Hopkins, Clarise Sturdivant, Joe & Diane Mahan, Kathy Smith, Shona Wofford, Cathy “CJ” Bullington, Reverend Kenneth Humphreys, Joe & Linda Dumas and many many more.