Mary Tellis

Mary Louise Evans Tellis departed this life on March 20, 2023 at 88 blessed years as a faithful servant. Affectionately known as “Ease” to her family in Tennessee, Mary was born to the late Frank and Ruby Hayes Evans on August 11, 1934 in Old Hickory, Tennessee. She was the third of eight children. She was named after her Aunt Mary on her father’s side and Aunt Louise on her mother’s side, adopting the nickname of “Ease.”

Mary attended Stateland Elementary School in Old Hickory, Tennessee and graduated from Haynes High School in 1952. She attended A&I Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. On September 14th, 1964, she married the love of her life, William James Tellis. She was the mother of two loving daughters, Rachel and Wilma, and the grandmother of an adoring granddaughter, Kendra. She was extremely close with her daughters and granddaughter and deeply committed to her family.

Following the death of her husband in 1968, she relocated to Woodbridge, Virginia where she resided until her death. After 34 devoted years, Mary retired in 2008 from the Federal Government as a Management Analyst. After her retirement, she worked as a volunteer at the Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Auxiliary supporting the center's Human Resource department, the Weight Loss Surgery Unit and as a Patient Advocate Representative.

She was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Triangle, Virginia of which Rev. Dr. Alfred Jones Jr. is the Pastor. She was an active member of the following ministries: Women’s Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Noon Day Prayer, Adult Sunday School, and the Senior Citizens Ministry. Mary was a 13 year Breast Cancer Survivor and served as the Team Captain for the Senior Citizens Ministry for many years, which participated in the Annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Race held in Washington, DC.

Her devotion to family and loved ones was her biggest priority in life. She had a huge, kind and warm heart and her generosity flowed down from generations to generations. She was a beacon of light for so many throughout her lifetime. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.

Her passion in life extends from fashion to sports. She sponsored multiple shopping trips to fashion outlets in Baltimore, MD, as well as attended and supported various fashion shows and banquets by social organizations. She also had a passion for cooking. She could make the best chicken and dumplings, fried granny smith apples and jam cakes to name a few of her best dishes.

Her love for sports was unmatched. Football and basketball were her favorite sports to watch. She was a huge fan of Steph Curry and the Tennessee Titans. She followed all games throughout the season including the playoffs and championships.

Mary was preceded in death and joins the following relatives in eternal rest: her parents Ruby and Frank Evans, husband, William James Tellis, daughter Rachel P. Tellis and siblings: James B. Evans, Betty A. Perry, Annetta Jones, and Georgia E. Gleaves.

To celebrate and cherish her memories and legacy of kindness, compassion, and generosity, Mary leaves behind her devoted daughter, Wilma Robinson, granddaughter, Kendra Tellis, sisters; Frances Pratt (Aubrey) of Lebanon, TN and Barbara Williams of Zebulon, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, as well as an abundance of church family members and dear friends.