Lois Gray Ellis Batten

Lois Gray Ellis Batten, 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 6, 2023 at the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center in Whiteville, NC. Lois was born May 24, 1928 in Goldsboro, NC to the late Ruth Penuel Ellis and Marvin Edward (M. E.) Ellis. The family lived all over North Carolina before settling in Whiteville. Lois, her husband Carl, and her parents owned and operated Ellis’ Shoe Center and Ladies Shop in Whiteville and Lumberton along with Lisa ‘s Bootery in Lumberton. Lois managed the popular Whiteville store from the mid-1970’s until she retired, closing the store in 1996.

Lois and her family were members of Whiteville First Baptist Church. Lois believed in being the hands and feet of Jesus, visiting the sick and shut in, delivering meals and her homemade fruit pies as an excuse to help the recipients see a friendly face and hear words of affirmation and love. Lois continued her mission of making others feel appreciated and loved through her time being cared for at home and during her final two weeks spent under Hospice care at LifeCare’s Angel House.

Lois was a magnificent artist, avid reader, and gardener, but her special talent was being a mother and grandmother extraordinaire. She was happiest making her children and bonus children feel loved and appreciated with the carpeted floor around her recliner filled regularly with young folks sitting and lying at her feet. They called her Mama Lois or Lolo. Lolo was full of wisdom, funny Loloisms, and laughter.

Left to cherish her love and wisdom are her son, Michael Carl Batten of Lake Waccamaw, NC and daughter, Lisa Batten Kunkleman (Daniel) of Charlotte, NC and Lake Waccamaw; eight grandchildren, Joanna Batten of Lake Waccamaw, Michael Ellis Batten of Naples, FL, Jillian Ashley, of Asheville, NC, Taylor Ashley (Katie) of Orono, Maine, Danielle Todys (Ben) of Indian Trail, NC, Sarah Tess Kunkleman of Charlotte and NYC, Joseph Kunkleman (Emma) of Charlotte, Sam Kunkleman of Charlotte, three great grandchildren, Wesley, Levi, and Josephine.

The family thanks Lucy Jones for her unwavering support, and the love and compassion she provided for our Mama Lois. Thanks to the staff and volunteers at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare and Hospice for their support and kindness both at home and at Angel House.

At Lois’ request for simplicity, there will be a graveside service at Peacock’s Columbus Memorial Park on Friday, March 10th at 11:00 am and the family will receive visitors following the service at Lois’ home until 2:30pm. In case of rain, the service will move into the chapel.

Memorial donations in Lois Batten’s name may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, or Whiteville First Baptist Church.

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