Martha "Ellen" Wren

Martha “Ellen” Thigpen Wren

Wrens, GA  –              Martha “Ellen” Thigpen Wren, 85, loving wife of 62 years to the late William “Billy” Henry Wren Sr., entered into her eternal rest Monday afternoon, August 20, 2018 at PruittHealth-Old Capitol in Louisville. Funeral services will be held at 3:00PM Saturday afternoon, August 25, 2018 in the James Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Wrens Memorial Cemetery.

One of nine children born to the late Melissa McTier Thigpen and the late Grady Jefferson Thigpen, Ellen was a native of Avera and had lived in Jefferson County all of her life. After marrying the love of her life, she made Wrens her home and her priority was taking care of her family and providing them with a loving, strong, safe haven.  Described as a “Proverbs 31” woman, Ellen was a loving wife and devoted mother.  She loved flower and vegetable gardening, and keeping a well-manicured lawn. A great cook, she prepared meals utilizing vegetables from the garden. She loved her family unconditionally and was most content in their presence. Ellen actively served her Lord and Savior until her health decline at Wrens Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Lucy Howard Sunday School Class.  She was active in her community and, along with her husband, supported Howard Manor and other local charities.  Miss Ellen will be remembered for her quiet manner, unassuming nature, generous spirit, Southern manners, and genuine smile that exuded a pure heart.  This Godly woman will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Miss Ellen is also preceded in death by her eight siblings, Plura Thigpen Swint, Lura Lee Thigpen Hobbs, Dorothy Margaret Thigpen Swint, Christine Thigpen Phillips, Julia Thigpen Phillips, Louis Grady Thigpen, James Melvin Thigpen and Bobby Pilcher Thigpen. Survivors include her three children, William Henry Wren, Jr. (Rosemary) of Statesboro, Marilyn Wren Murphy (John Ridgeway III) of Louisville and Donald Michael Wren (Karen) of Birmingham AL; six grandchildren, Will Daniel Wren (Ashley) of Statesboro, Rob Henry Wren (Dana) of Evans, Drew Jacob Wren (Emily) of Athens, John David Hadden (Corinne) of Atlanta, John Ridgeway Murphy IV of Louisville, and Henry Branan Murphy (Ashton) of Raleigh NC; six great grandchildren, Harrison Bo Wren of Statesboro, Olivia Bay Wren of Statesboro, Piper Jean Wren of Athens, Porter Jacob Wren of Athens, Isobel McLarin Hadden of Atlanta, and Mila Noel Murphy of Raleigh NC; two sisters-in-law, Naomi Thigpen and Betty Wilbanks Wren Johnson (Lawrence); and numerous nieces and nephews.  Pallbearers will be Will Daniel Wren, Rob Henry Wren, Drew Jacob Wren, John David Hadden, John Ridgeway Murphy IV, and Henry Branan Murphy.  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Lucy Howard Sunday School Class.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home Saturday afternoon, August 25, 2018 from 1:00-3:00PM prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wrens Baptist Church, PO Box 217 Wrens, GA 30833 or to The John Franklin Wren Chapter—Howard Manor Fund, c/o Beth Stone Usry, 207 East Quaker Rd, Wrens, GA  30833.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of PruittHealth-Old Capitol for the wonderful support and loving care given to “Miss Ellen”.  The family is also grateful to Dr. James Pilcher for his exemplary medical care.

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