LANCASTER, SC ~ Mrs. Martha Ellen "Sissy" Usher Whitley, age 71, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Atrium Health Union.  She was born November 18, 1949 in Lancaster, a daughter of the late Walter Lee Usher and Ruby Lee Thomas Usher and was the wife of Zeb Franklin Whitley.  Sissy loved working in her flower gardens, watching her hummingbirds, and decorating her church with flowers.  Her best friend was her fur baby, Midget, who she loved dearly.  Sissy loved her family and spending time with them.  She was a member of Sherwood Baptist church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was coordinator for decorating the church at Christmas.

Sissy is survived by her husband, Zeb Whitley; two daughters, Lawanda Mackey (Allan), and Dana Hinson (Brian); five grandchildren, Dawson White, Jackson White, Kade Hinson, Johnathan Doster, and Jordan Faile; two great grandchildren, Raylen Faile, and Callie Doster; a brother, Rev. Eddie Usher (Julie); two sisters, Betty J. Cox, and Cathy U. Fant; a brother-in-law, John Lee Sowell; and many nieces and nephews.

Sissy was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Kenneth Walter Usher; and two sisters, Louise Casey, and Carol Sowell.

The Celebration of Life Service for Sissy will be 2:30 pm Friday, February 5, 2021 at Sherwood Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Rusty McAlister and Rev. Donald Tillman.   Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.  Social distancing will be practiced, and masks are required.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 2:00 pm Friday, February 5, 2021 in the church fellowship hall. Memorial contributions may be made to Sherwood Baptist Church, P.O. Box 813, Lancaster, SC 29721.