Mary Ellen Carlile

Ward Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory

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Posted by: Ward Wilson
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Date: Oct 20 2024 4:01 PM

Mary Ellen Carlile, a cherished educator, master gardener, and dedicated adventurer, passed away peacefully in her hometown of Dothan, Alabama, on October 18, 2024, at the age of 76. Born on April 15, 1948, to the late James Earl and Martha Carlile, Mary Ellen was a beacon of love and passion throughout her life, touching the hearts of everyone she met.

A Graveside Service will be held at 3 P.M. Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Memory Hill Cemetery with Michael William Key officiating and Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.

A proud graduate of Dothan High School’s class of 1966, Mary Ellen went on to leave an indelible mark on the world of education. She dedicated her career to shaping young minds as an elementary school principal at Hunters Creek in Orlando, Florida. Her commitment to her students and staff was unwavering, and she was known for her innovative approaches to learning and her ability to inspire those around her.

Mary Ellen was a woman of many talents and interests. As a master gardener, her home was surrounded by a vibrant tapestry of flowers and plants, a testament to her green thumb and her love for the beauty of nature. Her adventurous spirit led her to explore the depths of the ocean through scuba diving and to embrace the joy of horseback riding, a passion she held since her youth when she showed horses with grace and skill.

Travel was another of Mary Ellen’s great loves. Accompanied by her father, she traversed the globe, visiting exotic locales such as Japan, Costa Rica, Turkey, Italy, France, Holland, Switzerland, and Thailand. Each journey enriched her life and broadened her perspective, experiences she often shared with her students to foster their curiosity about the world.

Mary Ellen’s legacy is carried on by her loving sisters, Kim Carlile MacQueen and her husband Don of Cherryville, North Carolina, and Sherry Wright Key of Troy, Alabama. She was a doting aunt to her niece, Kelli Sage Key-Anderson of Dothan, Alabama, and to her nephew, Michael William Key and his wife Renee of Priceville, Alabama. Her great nieces and nephews, along with special friends, will continue to cherish the memories and lessons she imparted.

Those who knew Mary Ellen will remember her as loving, friendly, and passionate. She approached every aspect of her life with a warm smile and an open heart. Her kindness and enthusiasm were infectious, and she was always ready to lend a hand or offer words of encouragement.

As we say goodbye to Mary Ellen Carlile, let us celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the profound impact she had on her community. Her spirit will forever be a guiding light to those who had the privilege of knowing her. Mary Ellen’s story is not one of sorrow but a beautiful narrative of a life well-lived and full of purpose. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.

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