Mother Azleaner Washington-Ellis

Mother Azleaner Washington Ellis was born December 24, 1933, the daughter of James Washington and Nancy Snell. She was raised by her Aunt and Uncle Annis and Willie Barney in Satartia, Mississippi. We also acknowledge her siblings: Hazel White, Connie Washington, Razbee Washington, James Washington, Jr., Elmo Thomas, Howard Thomas, Eddie Mosley and Nathan Mosely who preceded her in death. She accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age and was an active member of Rose Hill MB Church, under the leadership of Rev. Robinson, until she went to college in Natchez, MS, where she graduated. Mother Ellis met the love of her life, Rev. O. V. Ellis, whom she married on November 29, 1953. To their union, seven children were born: six daughters, Kathy, Rosemary, Joanne, Debbie (who preceded her in death), Kimmley, and Tonya, and one son, Patrick (who also preceded her in death). Mother Ellis and “Rev”, as she affectionately called him, moved to Chicago, Illinois, to raise their family. A woman who was taught to always love God, she firmly believed in the Word of God and the power of prayer! Mother Ellis and Rev. Ellis taught their children by example to live a holy life. A dynamic singer in her own right, she taught her girls how to sing at an early age and formed “The Ellis Singers”. They were well-known for singing throughout the City of Chicago, under the anointing, as well as providing music anywhere their father preached. After her husband was commissioned to preach and later called to pastor, Mother took the role of “First Lady” very seriously and worked tirelessly beside her husband in ministry. Anyone who knew Mother Ellis, knew that when it came to praising God, she didn’t play and would praise him anytime and anywhere! Mother Ellis was a woman of wisdom, honor, and great integrity, and was very wellrespected by all who knew her. She was a spiritual mother to many whose counsel and words of wisdom are still impacting their lives to this day. Mother Ellis also served and worked in her community. She was employed as a Social Worker/ Case Manager with Marillac House for over two decades and founded The Jackson Community Choir in the Rockwell Community. On October 21, 2021, at 4:03 a.m., Mother Azleaner Washington Ellis transitioned from labor to reward at Journey Care Hospice in Chicago, Illinois. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters, Apostle Kathy Ellis Anderson of Lexington, Ms. Rosemary Arrington of Broadview, Illinois, Joanne Ellis of Chicago, Illinois, Kimmley Ellis of Riverside, Illinois, and Tonya Ellis (Tyrone) Simmons; 19 grandchildren (one granddaughter, Kristen Danyelle Squire, preceded her in death); 26 great-grandchildren; four sisters-in-law, five brothers-in-law; one cousin, Carrie Snell, who lived with her and she took care of; a host of nieces and nephews; and many spiritual children, other relatives, and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mother Azleaner Washington-Ellis, please visit our floral store.