Ellen Givens, age 85, of Eagle Lake, died peacefully, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, at her home.

Ellen Givens was born in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sept. 24, 1930. She was the daughter of Edward Banker Sample and Albertina Scheitlin and Evelyn England. She was educated in Knoxville, graduating from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta Greek Society. Upon graduation, she became a teacher in Knox County.  After moving to Mississippi and raising her family, she again became a teacher and taught 22 years in Mississippi, both in Natchez and 17 years in Vicksburg. She was very active in the Methodist Church as a Sunday school teacher and member of the United Methodist Women. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roy A. Givens Sr.; and daughter-in-law, Joy Sistrunk Brown.

She is survived by a brother, John G. Sample and wife Jerry of Knoxville, Tenn.; her children, Edward A. Brown and wife Virginia, D. Russ Brown and wife Melba, Doug S. Brown, Patricia E. Davis and husband Robert, Roy A. Givens Jr. and wife Nayoka, and Emory Warrick and wife Sylvia; 13 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at Riles Funeral Home with the Rev. Troy Piccaluga, pastor of Eagle Lake United Methodist Church, officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the hour of service. A funeral service will also be held at noon Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, at Lynnhurst Funeral Home in Knoxville, Tenn. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. Interment will follow at Lynnhurst Cemetery.

Mrs. Givens’ children would also like to express their thanks to all those who cared for their mother this past year, friends and family, Belmont Gardens, Amedisys, St. Joseph Hospice, Private Home Care and her private sitters.

Memorials may be made to the Mississippi Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, 1040 River Oaks Drive, Flowood, MS  39232 and to Eagle Lake Methodist Church, 16682 Highway 465, Vicksburg, MS  39183.