Mrs. Marie C. Minnella Ennis, 89, of Columbia, died Saturday, January 2, 2016. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she was raised and educated in Rutherford, New Jersey. Marie was a daughter of the late Louis and Rose C. Divona Minnella.

Marie lived in New Jersey for much of her life, where she worked for many years as a nanny for the children of public school teachers. She enjoyed singing and dancing and had a beautiful alto voice. Marie was deeply involved with her church, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Order of the Amaranth. She served the Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star five times and was Past Matron of the Rutherford Chapter several times. Marie was a member of Forest Lake Presbyterian Church in Columbia, and previously served as Moderator of the Deacons in Old Bergen Church of Jersey City. She attended Adult Bible Class at Old Bergen Church, served on the Altar Guild and sang in the church choir. Marie loved her family and enjoyed participating in many family gatherings and reunions.

Marie leaves behind to mourn her loss her beloved husband, William C. Ennis, Jr.; daughters, Janie Feinberg (Barry), Rosemarie Currey and Dawn R. Ennis; sons, The Rev. Mark W. Ennis (The Rev. Pamela Pater-Ennis) and Carlos C. Ennis (Houria); five grandchildren; one great-son; brother, Lewis Minnella (Jane); uncle, James Minnella (Theresa); and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister; one aunt; and five uncles.

The funeral service for Mrs. Ennis will be held at 2:30 o'clock, Saturday, January 9th, at Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, Columbia, with The Rev. Dr. Ellen F. Skidmore officiating. Additional fraternal and religious services will be held in New Jersey on Saturday, January 16th, with entombment taking place in Woodbridge Memorial Gardens, Woodbridge, NJ. The family will receive friends from 3 until 7 o'clock, Friday, January 8th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Rd. Exn., Columbia. Memorials may be made to Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, 6500 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Wildewood Downs Rehab and Skilled Nursing Staff; Ms. Sharone Jeffcoat, RN, and family; Agape Hospice; The Rev. Dr. Ellen F. Skidmore and The Rev. Michael East; and the congregation of Forest Lake Presbyterian Church for the many acts of kindness rendered in the care of Marie and her family.