Ellen (Andrews) Widener

Ellen Andrews Widener, age 75, of Asheville, NC, went home to be with the Lord on May 24, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.   She was preceded in death by her husband, Danny Widener, and her parents, Mary Ruth and Edward Andrews.

Ellen is survived by her daughter, Melissa Hughes (Greg) of Asheville, her son, Jeffrey Reeves (Ellen), of Elkin, step-daughter, Amber Micka (Nick) of Caledonia, Illinois; grandchildren, Matthew Murphy (Brittany), Kelsie Hughes (Trina), and Grace Hughes; step-grandchildren, Jasmine Royall (Junior), and Daniel, Matthias, Judah Luke, and Caleb Asher Micka; step-great grandchildren, Carter, Russ, Riley, and Leah.  She also had a very special great-granddaughter, Ryanne, who she had the joy of playing with quite often in the last two years.  In addition, she is survived by her two sisters, Evelyn Jones (Larry) of Woodlawn, VA, and Sylvia Cave of Elkin, NC. She also had several special nieces, nephews, and cousins who survive.

Ellen was born on November 15, 1947, and grew up in the Ennice community of Alleghany County, NC.  She first attended Little Pine School, and later moved to Glade Creek Elementary School when it was built.  She graduated from Sparta High School in 1966 and then attended WInston-Salem Business College.

Ellen had several jobs throughout her life, but her primary positions included Secretary to the President for Glade Valley High School, secretary for Arnold Young, Attorney at Law, and secretary at the Alleghany County Board of Education, where she retired.

Ellen always loved Gospel music and was a member of three different singing groups through the years.  She led the children’s choir at Saddle Mountain Union Baptist Church, where she also taught Sunday School, played the piano, and organized Christmas plays.  She was a Cub Scout leader, Relay for Life coordinator, and member of the Lion’s Club. 

Ellen lived a life of generosity to others, service to her church and community, and faith that never wavered even in the midst of pain. She loved her family and friends dearly and prayed for them often.

The family would like to thank CarePartners Hospice for their support and care of Ellen in the last five months.  They are also grateful for her faithful caregivers who took very good care of her and loved her dearly, Gloria, Corinna, Laura, Tawana, Caroline, and Janice, Paul Raybon, who became a pastor to her in Asheville, and to all those who made her life meaningful in the last days.

Memorials are welcome and should be sent to Hominy Baptist Church Ramp Fund, 135 Candler School Road, Candler, NC  28715.

The family will receive friends at Thomas Family Funeral Service in Sparta on Sunday, June 4, from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm, with the funeral at 4:00 pm.  Burial will follow at Saddle Mountain Union Baptist Cemetery in Ennice, NC, where Danny, her parents, and many other family and friends are buried.

Thomas Family Funeral Service is honored to be serving the Widener Family.  If you wish, online tributes may be extended to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.

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