Obituary of James L. Ellison

James Ellison, 91, of Benton Harbor, went home to be with the Lord on, October 21, 2015 with his loving daughter Rhonda by his side. He was born on February 16, 1924, in Helena, Arkansas to the late Captola Brown and raised by Sam & Carrie Elliott. On August 23, 1953, James married the love of his life, Mamie Turner. James was a hard worker and retired from both Auto Specialties and the City of Benton Harbor, following many years of dedicated service. Preceding James in death is his sisters; Lucille Brown and Samella Mayweather Jude; a brother Joe Willie Brown. He leaves in God's care, his two sons, James Ellison Jr. and Robbie Ellison of Benton Harbor; his six daughters; Marvail Hudson of Jackson, Michigan, Cheryl Ellison Brown of Chicago, Michele Davis of Indianapolis, Cathy Ellison of Benton Harbor, Kimberly Triplett of Jackson, and Rhonda Ellison of St. Joseph; 17 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; a sister Frances Parker of East St. Louis, a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews and countless lives he has touched. The funeral and visitation are both Friday, October 30, 2015, at Second Baptist Church, 600 Donald Adkins Drive in Benton Harbor. Visitation will be at the church beginning at 12 p.m. and the service will follow at 1:00 p.m. The Rev. Kenneth Gavin will officiate. An interment will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Those wishing to make memorial donations in lieu of flowers may do so to the Region IV Area Agency on Aging 2900 Lakeview Avenue, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.