Fannie Embry

Fannie Quinn Embry (Sellers), affectionately known as “Nick” and “Baby Sister” was born on October 7, 1940 to the late Fannie Ray Sellers and Ned Sellers in Lowndes County (Whitehall), Alabama.

She departed this life in peace and serenity on November 24, 2025 at the Margret J. Thomas Inpatient Care Center of Cincinnati after a hard-fought battle.

Fannie moved to Cincinnati from Alabama after graduating with honors from Lowndes County Training School (now Central High School.)  While on leave from the army in March of 1962, Willis Embry Jr. met Fannie Sellers, a cousin of Ray Sellers, at the Friars Club in Cincinnati.  Of course, Fannie was sitting there in a fur coat and cat-eyed glasses looking like a diamond. By September 5, 1964 Willis and Fannie were wed in holy matrimony at New Hope Baptist Church.  From this union two children were born: Tonja Quience and Willis “Manny” Embry III.

After her children were of school age, Fannie returned to working full-time at Super X Drugs and The Kroger Company in the Accounting Department.  She had an exceptional talent for balancing figures to the penny without paper, pencil, or calculator. Fannie enjoyed dressing impeccably every day, serving on committees, and being in the company of her co-workers. She extended her working years beyond the age of 65,  and retired at the age of 71.

Fannie attended New Hope Baptist Church in her early years,  later joining Greater Liberty Baptist Church and Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Glendale. She was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church of West College Hill serving on the Usher Board and Deaconess Committee, along with the other “Alabama Girls” as they were affectionately called.

Fannie loved to travel, restore furniture, sew, collect antiques, and shop with her sisters, daughter, and granddaughters. Most of all she cherished the time with family and friends.  Known for her quick wit, she brought peace and harmony to every situation, but don’t mess with Fannie!  She had the strength, might, compassion, and courage of a praying lioness. These qualities sustained her during the toughest battles. Throughout her life, she praised and acknowledged God, often saying, “I’ve had a good life.”

She leaves to cherish her husband of 61 years, Willis Embry Jr., daughter, Tonja Embry Washington (L. Marshall) and son, Willis “Manny” Embry III (deceased.)  Her sisters, Addie Mae Dinkins (Charles); Deloris “Skip” Staples (Alfred); granddaughters, Lauren Washington Ivy (Terrell) and Sydney Embry; and grandsons,  Ethan Washington (Brianna Vogel, future granddaughter-in-law) and Jordan Washington; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

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