Cora Ellis Bruton Kinsey, of Lexington, South Carolina, passed away July 3, 2025, after a long, courageous battle with kidney disease and congestive heart failure. She was born on November 8, 1946, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Theodore and Opal (Crump) Ellis and was one of eleven children. 

She had many adventures in her short 78 years and made great memories. She left a smile with everyone she met. Cora brought joy, laughter and light to all who knew her. She had a spark in her soul that came alive when she had an audience and was not shy about doing a little dance or giving them a little song. Cora was a friend to many and will be sorely missed.

She was a fighter, brave and strong. She met life's challenges with determination, and in the end, she lived on her terms. While we are heartbroken to lose her, we take comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and is now dancing in heaven.

She is survived by a very large family whom she deeply loved, including her husband, James Larry Kinsey, siblings, Frances (Keith) Robinson, Faye (Jim) Scott, Deborah Ellis, Ted (Elizabeth) Ellis, Jr., Tim Ellis, Darlene Deese, and Special Life Sister, Sandy (Gary) Orcutt, wife-in-law, Linda Frye, her children Happy and Greg Rodes, Angie Matthews, Jimmy Kinsey, grandchildren, Kristopher Dean, Benjamin Dean, Gregory Rodes and Shelby (John) Dugan, Isabella Kinsey and Niko Kinsey, her great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Eden, Bailey, John and Elliott and so many very special nieces and nephews and Honorary Children, Tami Luckenbach, Tommy Honeycutt, Cindi Reilly, Mac Robinson, Tami Shepard, Kim Powell and Buffy Herron who called and visited and checked in with her often. For all those not named, she also loved you dearly. Her family will all carry her love and memory in their hearts forever. The family members and friends who preceded her in death were surely waiting to welcome her home.

In honor of her memory, we invite you to dance a little, laugh often and hug your loved ones tight - just as she would have wanted.

The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home at 4720 Augusta Road in Lexington, SC, on Friday, July 11th, for visitation from 2 to 3 pm. A memorial service will follow in the Thompson Funeral Home Chapel at 3 pm with Duane Stevens officiating.