Birth Date: 07/21/1947
Deceased Date: 05/25/2017
Obituary
Martishue Viola Patterson Ennis was born in Smithfield, NC to the late John David and Zelphia Youngblood Patterson on July 21, 1947. She departed this life on May 25, 2017 at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, NC. She was the fourth of five siblings. Martishue attended Johnston County Training School and graduated from Richard B. Harrison High School in 1965. Martishue later moved to Washington, DC where she worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield for over 20 years. Upon retirement, she and her husband Reginald Ennis moved back to her childhood home in Smithfield, NC.
Affectionately called “Aunt Tish” by her many nieces and nephews, Martishue was a loving, caring, and giving person. She knew everything that went on in the lives of her son, siblings, granddaughter, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends. Martishue loved people, loved life, and loved giving to others, especially children. She became an Auntie to every young person, affectionately, calling everyone, “my sweetie” or “my baby.” There wasn’t a child whom she knew who did not have an abundant supply of pencils, notebooks, paper, pens, snacks, socks, and lotion. She was a devoted sister, always in constant conversation with her sisters and assisting her brother in his funeral home business. She was the one constant family member who was at every family function, graduation, wedding, birthday party, and dance in DC or NC.
Martishue never meet a stranger. She knew everyone; spoke her mind to everyone; would help anyone, and kept pictures of everyone. She was close to all and made everyone feel as if they were a part of her extended family. She was totally devoted to One Lord, one husband, one son, and one granddaughter, who were all the center of her heart and world.
Martishue and Reginald Ennis were childhood friends, loyal companions, and husband and wife for over 40 years. She was a strong and dedicated mother, who could not have been more proud of her son, who was always determined to do everything he could to make her proud. And all who knew her knew that nothing gave her more joy than being a grandmother to her one and only granddaughter, Montoya Kiara Truesdale-O’Neal.
Martishue leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy, a devoted husband, Reginald Ennis of Smithfield, NC; son, Marcus O’Neal of Washington, DC; one granddaughter, Montoya Truesdale-O’Neal of Washington, DC; three sisters, Fannie Greene of Selma, NC; Delia Patterson of Forrestville, MD; and Lillian Moore of Smithfield, NC; one brother, John Albert Patterson of Forrestville, MD; friend and brother in law, Phil Moore of Selma, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, both biological and adopted through love; cousins, other relatives, and friends.
You all could not imagine how deeply and fully Martishue loved meeting, conversing and socializing with family and friends, and simply being part of and knowing what was going on in every one of our lives. She was our family’s social ambassador. She kept countless family pictures, cards, newspaper clippings, graduation pictures, and mementos of everyone whom she loved.
Martishue Viola Patterson Ennis, we all shall miss your constant presence, your spirit, your voice, but mostly, your expressions of love more than even you could ever have imagined. You will forever remain in our hearts.
Your Family
Please visit www.rlsandersfuneralhome.net to leave online condolence.
Wake :
Friday, June 02
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Sanders Funeral Home Chapel
806 E Market St
Smithfield, NC 27577
Funeral Service:
Saturday, June 03
11:00 AM
St Peter’s Disciples Church Of Christ
1011 Massey St.
Smithfield, NC 27577
Interment:
Saturday June 03
Rest Haven
Smithfield, NC 27577
