Deacon Willis Andrew Ellison

Obituary Willis Andrew Ellison, at the age of eighty-one (81), transitioned from earth to glory on September 15, 2024 at Bay Harbor Post Acute Healthcare Center in Salisbury, Maryland, with his loved ones by his side. He was born to the late Robert and Mamie Agnes Bates Ellison in Burke County, Keysville, Georgia. Willis attended the public school Noah’s Ark and Gough Elementary School in Burke, County. He graduated from R.E. Blakney High School in 1960. At the age of ten, he was baptized at Noah’s Ark Baptist Church in Keysville, Georgia. After graduating from high school, he went to live with his grandparents, George and Sarah Green-Bates in Snow Hill, Maryland. He worked with his uncle Charles M. Bates at a steel company. He also drove a school bus for contractor Howard Showell for J. Franklin Jones Lumber company for thirty-five (35) years. After J. Franklin Lumber company closed, he drove for Oliver Moore Trucking, Inc. for several years. His last job was driving for Lower Shore Enterprises until he was unable to drive due to his health issues. Willis was united in holy matrimony to Naomi Foreman Ellison on Saturday, December 31, 1966. Four children were born to that union. Willis began his spiritual journey under the leadership of the late Suffragan Bishop Emanuel C. Baker at Greater Higher Hope Temple. He was baptized in 1997 and filled with the Holy Spirit that same year. It was an honor and privilege for his son (Keith) who took place in assisting with the baptism. Willis was a dedicated Usher and was on the door every Sunday morning. He was ordained as a Deacon in 2004 and was a member of the Greater Higher Hope Temple Trustee board. Some of Willis’ favorite songs were “Falling in Love with Jesus”, “I Can’t Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand” and “There Will Be Peace in the Valley for Me.” Willis loved gardening and he would grow all kinds of vegetables every summer. He would give out produce to anyone. His other hobby was mowing the lawn every weekend. You would find him cutting the grass with one of the grandkids in his lap. He enjoyed spending time with his family and with his grandchildren. And he often called his brothers and sisters on their birthday to sing “Happy Birthday” to them. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of fifty-seven (57) years, Naomi Ellison of Salisbury, Maryland; four children, Keith (Pastor Dawn) Ellison of Preston, Maryland, Naomi (Adrien) Waters of Pittsville, Maryland and Willis Ellison, Jr. and Felica (Marquee) Jarmon, both of Salisbury, Maryland; one bonus son, Sammie Foreman of Bishopville, Maryland; six siblings, Dorothy (Thomas) Stanley and Deloris Brown, both of Spring Valley, New York, Angeline Ellison of Pennsylvania and Ernest Ellison, Robert (Paulette) Ellison and Charles (Patricia) Ellison, all of Spring Valley, New York and Anita Ellison of Augusta, Georgia; four sisters-in-law, Virginia Foreman, Gladys Hargis, Iona Foreman and Mildred Foreman; fourteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; spiritual children, Pastor Albert (Cassandra) Todd, Deacon Gary (Michelle) Davis, Deacon Wayne (Ethel) Gibbs, the late Deacon Michael (Davina) Campbell, and a spiritual grandson, Cameron Campbell as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Willis was also preceded in death by one brother, MacArthur Ellison, six in-laws, Virginia Ellison, Hurley Foreman, Wardell Foreman, Willis Foreman, Helen Foreman and Irma Foreman and one great-grandson. LOVINGLY SUBMITTED ~ THE FAMILY

Deacon Willis Andrew Ellison

October 25, 1942 - September 15, 2024