Ovella Mae Sorrells Vinson, 80, passed away peacefully Friday, January 1, 2021. Ovella attended Howard High School and went on to graduate from Tennessee State University. She worked for the State of Tennessee for more than 30 years and was also a successful businesswoman who went on to own Sear’s Grocery Store and many other properties throughout the city. Her love for God was immense. She was a lifelong member of Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully on the trustee board.

Ovella was preceded in death by her parents, Candler and Jessie Sorrells; her daughter, Leslie K. Vinson; an infant sister, Louise; a brother, Willie Calvin Sorrells; a sister, Barbara Sorrells Derrick; nephews, Thomas Sorrells Jr., Bobby Turner, Bill Sorrells.

She is survived by her son, Jeffery Vinson; a brother Thomas (Barbara) Sorrells; sister-in-law, Remell Sorrells; grandchildren, Jessica Terrell, Zane and Hazel Vinson a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, and great nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Public viewing will be held 9:00 AM- 12:00PM, Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at the funeral home. A 1:00PM graveside service will follow. Interment: Lakewood Memory Gardens EAST.

Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.