SPARTANBURG - Ella Mae Wilkins Montgomery, daughter of the late Edward and Virgie Littlejohn Wilkins, was born in Cherokee County and was reared and educated in Spartanburg County. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School.

A devoted Christian, she joined Cornerstone Baptist Church (then Thompson Street) as a young girl. She faithfully served on the usher board and various auxiliaries through the years. While passionate about these activities and serving her church, she most loved praising God through song. A gifted alto, she began singing with her siblings as a part of The Wilkins Sisters as a child. In addition, she was also a member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Hymn Choir of Charlotte, Knuckles Chapel Baptist Church Choir, several of the choirs of Cornerstone Baptist Church, and various community groups.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Adam Montgomery Jr.; a brother, William Wilkins; and sisters, Elizabeth Long and Margartee Houston.

Surviving are a daughter, Diane Montgomery Ellis, son-in-law, Hendrick Ellis, and granddaughter, Kendall Montgomerie Ellis, of the home in Charlotte. She also leaves her sisters, Rosanna McCreary, Margaret Dodd, Sylvia Norris, Ruby Beason, Helen Moore and Virginia Johnson, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Services were held Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church. Visitation was held at the church following the service.

Arrangements by Callaham Hicks Funeral Home.