ELLEN "IDA LEE" LEE BRUNSON

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Ellen "Ida Lee" Lee Brunson, 71, departed this journey of life from multiple medical conditions on the evening of Wednesday, June 13, 2018. She was born on March 25, 1947, in Lee County, the fourth of 12 children of the late Ella Louise Williams and Hayes Lawson. She received her early childhood education in the public schools of Lee County.

She married at an early age and had three children in her first union with the late James Lesane Jr. She later adopted one of her grandchildren in her second union to Henry Moreno. She began working in the local hotels and restaurants in Sumter until she relocated to Washington, D.C.

Ellen began her career as a dietician at George Washington University Hospital for six years. As a compassionate care provider, she furthered her education at Automation Academy of Baltimore and Catonsville Community College to receive her certificates as a nurse's aide/geriatric aide and nursing support technician. She worked at various nursing homes before providing 10 years of patient care at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. She later became a taxi driver for two cab companies in Baltimore before returning to South Carolina. She returned to cooking and patient care at Greene Nursing Home and A Step Above In-Home Care.

When she returned to S.C., Ellen and Norwood Brunson finally married each other to become husband and wife. Ellen also returned to her family's home church, Mt. Sinai in Mayesville, in 2001. She dedicated her life to Jesus Christ and joined Bethany Missionary Baptist Church in 2011. Ellen was a devoted member who regularly attended Bible study, Sunday School and other services. She served faithfully as a trustee, a missionary and pastor's aide for Bethany Missionary Baptist Church.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, Norwood Brunson Sr.; a son, Eric (Lisa) Lesane of Baltimore; stepsons, James (Clarissa) Brunson and Jasmin Brunson of Sumter; daughters, Chaplain (Major) Linda Lesane of Enterprise, Alabama, and Demeshia Moreno of Atlanta; stepdaughters Sylvia (George) Maddox of Prattville, Alabama, Rosa (Kenneth) Pack of Gable, Dylena (Frederick) Wells of Mayesville and Gloria (Elijah) of Sumter; one sister, Elder Shirley (Willie) Battle of District Heights, Maryland; eight sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 19 step-grandchildren, 21 step-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 125 W. Bartlette St., Apartment 308, Sumter.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, 350 E. Red Bay Road, Sumter, with the Rev. Daryl F. McGhaney, pastor, eulogist.

The remains will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. for viewing until time of services.

The procession will leave from the home at 1:20 p.m.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.com.