Beech Tree News Network

Vivian Ellis Gorrell, formerly of Mt. Vernon, IL, passed away at the McLean County Nursing Home in Normal, IL on March 22, 2014.  Her funeral will be at Smith Funeral Home in Morgantown, KY on March 31 at 11 A.M. Burial will follow at Threlkel Cemetery in Roundhill, KY.  

Vivian was born October 13, 1919 in Rochester, KY the daughter of Theodore and Vena Suddeth Ellis.  She married James H. Gorrell on January 11, 1940 in Princeton, IN.  He died June 12, 1978.

Survivors include three sons:  William T. (Toni), Normal, IL; John G. (Joann), Fayetteville, GA; Paul R., Norris City, IL, one daughter Polly K. Burnsed (Bill), Cave Creek, AZ, and one daughter-in-law Lida Gorrell, Calgary, Canada; twelve grandchildren: Jeremy Gorrell (Michelle), Hillary Gorrell Nevins (Jeff), Jessica Hooten (Joseph), Elizabeth Parker (Matthew), Janet Gorrell, Tom Gorrell. Brooke Pulliam (Steve), Amanda Johnson, Jon Burnsed (Katrina), Harley Gorrell, Andrea Gorrell, and Lora Leigh Chrystal (Jason); eighteen great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins including Edith Gary and Myra Woosley, and other extended family.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Kenneth (infant),Wallace Ellis, Lloyd Ellis, and Edward Ellis; two sisters: Grady Smith and Nell Basham; two brothers-in-law, George Smith and Homer “Tuck” Basham; one sister-in-law, Nada Ellis; one son, James W. Gorrell; one grandson, Paul W. Burnsed, and one great-granddaughter, Abigail Sarah Gorrell.

She graduated from Reedyville High School, Reedyville, KY in 1938, from Rend Lake Community College, Ina, IL in 1970, and from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL in 1972 with a B.S. in Elementary - Special Education.  Vivian taught fifth grade and remedial reading at Bethel Grade School in Mt. Vernon and also served as a substitute teacher in Mt. Vernon area schools.

Vivian was a member of and Sunday school teacher at Second Baptist Church and also attended Logan Street Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon.  She was a past treasurer of Bethel Grade School Board, active in the parent-teacher organization at Bethel, was a room mother, and a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader when her children were attending elementary and secondary schools. Vivian was also a member of the SIUC Alumni Association.

She enjoyed sewing, quilting, needlework, fishing (especially with family friend, Jessie Harris and Cousin Edith Gary and husband Rodney), and hunting morel mushrooms (with her nephew, Dan Basham). Vivian and her husband Jim generously contributed their time and support to Bethel Grade School. Her most important priority and greatest love in life were her children and her grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff and administration of McLean County Nursing Home for their support and compassionate care of Vivian for almost 11 years.  We also want to thank Randy and Becky Starnes, for their Christian ministry at McLean County Nursing Home; Vivian enjoyed attending their services and listening to her favorite song, How Great Thou Art.

Vivian was a loving daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and will leave behind fond memories with those who loved and cared for her.