Winifred Ellis Hull

A native of Western New York, born in Pomfret, NY June 19, 1924, Winifred Maude Ellis, “Wini” was born into a farming family and is preceded in death by her father, Morrison Ellis and mother, Mildred Armstrong Ellis and brother, Clarence Ellis. She attended Ohio Wesleyan and Lake Erie College where she majored in Fine Arts. She wed Stephen “Steve” Smith Hull on December 18, 1944 and resided in Fredonia, NY and moved through the years to various states within the US, finally happily settling in Dunwoody, Georgia in 1964. Steve and Wini raised two children, daughter, Caron (Ed) Peele, and son, Andrew (April) Hull. After raising her family, she focused much of her time and energy on her love for the arts and was co-owner of the Peddler’s Cart in Buckhead a member of the Dunwoody Fine Arts Association, the Atlanta Artists Club, the Roswell Fine Arts Alliance, Gallery V Roswell, and Roomscapes Gallery in Olde Towne Woodstock, Georgia.

Those who knew Wini would certainly attest, the world became brighter when she was born. God “broke the mold” when He created her, gifting her with outstanding artistic abilities, creativity and a tremendous zest for life. Stories abound to this day and beyond of how music ‘made her feet move’ and she would begin to dance, being a live wire in her late 80’s / early 90’s jumping into the swimming pool with reckless abandon, much to the amazement of those watching, being such a caring person – she loved everyone – and quickly forming friendships with new acquaintances. Her motto, which she successfully lived by, was “to have a good friend, you have to be a good friend.” Wini was one of a kind and had so many wonderful traits that if listed here would fill volumes.

Her long life and cherished days were spent with family and friends, and of course, with ART! Her choice of subject matter was influenced by her love of and interest in people, her love of antiques, and her love for the beauty of the world around her. She loved animals, and this was often reflected in her artwork as well. She used a variety of media including water color, pastel, pencil and acrylics to create an amazing legacy of artwork displaying her tremendous passion and talent. A little known fact is that she signed some of her work with her middle name, “Maude”, as her pen name.

She became interested in painting portraits from old photographs and created many meaningful treasures to be cherished for generations to come by those for whom she created them. She felt strongly about preserving family memories in a way that can be enjoyed by everyone.

One of her favorite things was going on bi-annual painting retreats to Monteagle, Tennessee with her beloved fellow artist friends. The beauty of scenic Monteagle became the backdrop for much of her artwork.

When she wasn’t busy creating or spending time with her family and friends, Wini was not idol. As a young wife and mother, she was active in her Dunwoody community, and participated in Yokefellows with two of her very best life-long friends, and Belly Dancing! In her later years, she stayed active, and enjoyed walking (which she attributed to her good health along with having a positive attitude on life), attending classes at the gym, organizing and participating in her neighborhood water aerobics, and volunteering at local schools, reading to elementary school children (and she was an avid reader herself), assisting with art classes, and mentoring middle school students as well. Fittingly, as a well-loved member of the Woodstock, Georgia community, Wini is immortalized on the mural on Mill Street, thanks to the local artist who painted it.

“Family is Everything” was the other motto that Wini lived by. During her life, she was blessed with four grandchildren, Jeff Hull, Amy Watson, Emily Norman, and Laura Waldron, and seven great grandchildren. She dearly loved, and was dearly loved by, her family.

On June 16th, 2021 (just 3 days shy of her 97th birthday), God called her home. Surely, she is rejoicing in the presence of God, embracing Steve, her beloved husband who preceded her in death in November 1999, dancing on the streets of gold, and embellishing Heaven with resplendent splashes of color and light. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy in her artwork, and a loving imprint on the hearts of her family and friends. She will forever be loved and missed, but knowing that she is in her eternal home, and that we will one day be reunited with her, is a blessing.

Wini’s Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Oct 21, 2022 at 12:30 PM at Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, GA. Friends are welcome to attend and should plan to arrive 30 minutes ahead and meet at the Public Information Building.

Directions:  GPS    1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, Georgia 30114

Directions from I-75:  Take exit 290 (Highway 20) toward Canton (east).  Travel ten miles and turn left on Scott Hudgens Drive.  Enter through the main cemetery gate after 2 miles.

Directions from I-575:  If traveling north, take exit 16 bearing to the left.  If traveling south, take exit 16A.  At traffic light, turn left onto Highway 5 and 20 – get into the right through lane which leads you onto Highway 20 (Knox Bridge Road).  Travel approximately five miles, past the boat ramp, over the bridge and turn right at Scott Hudgens Drive.  Enter through the main cemetery gate after approximately two miles.  Pass the main gate, 50 feet will be the Public Information Building.  Turn right and there will be 3 lanes.  A sign on the right will indicate what lane to be in.  Drive around the back side of the building to the cone and you will be escorted with a Cemetery Representative