Della Mae Carpenter Ellis

Della Mae Carpenter Ellis, 88, of Morganton, NC, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Born in Burke County, NC on July 3, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Eva Calloway Carpenter.

Della loved God and her family, and she was a member of Watauga Baptist Church. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed getting together on holidays and absolutely loved anything to do with Christmas. She enjoyed planting flowers in the spring and tending to them throughout the summer. She also enjoyed collecting hundreds of salt and pepper shakers, “what-nots,” and anything with a cardinal on it. Della retired from Carolina Shoe with over 20 years of service.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Paula Ellis, Randy Ellis, Kathy Mosteller, William Ellis (Maria), Charles Ellis (Rhonda), and Eric Ellis; grandchildren, Travis, Ben, Seth, Misti, Chrystal, Joey, April, Christopher, Brooklynn, and Dustin; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Elwanda Cooke.

In addition to her parents, Della was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Paul W. Ellis; daughter, Karen Metcalf; grandson, James Metcalf, Jr.; brothers, Melvin Carpenter (Willadene), Mason Carpenter (Vida), Tommy Carpenter (Dixie), J.L. Carpenter (Lynda), Amos Carpenter (Dorothy), and Andy Carpenter; sister, Lee Vonda Pyatte (Wade); and brother-in-law, Ted Cooke.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m., Monday, June 22, 2026 at Grace Baptist Church (1939 Paul Shuping Avenue, Morganton, NC). The funeral will be held at 4 p.m. in the church with Rev. Marty Bess and Rev. Israel Gibson officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Alpine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church Building Fund, 1939 Paul Shuping Avenue, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.