Dollie M. Ellis 1931-2024

She was born Aug. 10, 1931, in Roanoke, Alabama, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Emmitt and Ola Mae Phillips Gunn. Dollie attended Randolph County High School.

Dollie was united in holy matrimony on July 29, 1949, to the love of her life, the late Rev. Charlie L. Ellis. In 1952, they relocated to Youngstown.

Upon arriving in Youngstown, the Ellis’ joined Mount Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor W. A. Clark. Dollie faithfully sang in the number two choir.

In the Summer of 1965, Dollie followed her husband as he became pastor of MorningStar Baptist Church, where First Lady Ellis faithfully served the people of God for over 50 years.

Dollie worked for Northside Hospital in the dietary department for a couple of years.

Dollie cared for her family and reared some of her grandchildren. Her culinary skills were legendary, from her delectable baked goods to her soul-comforting dishes. She made her home a welcoming haven for all who entered.

Mrs. Dollie Ellis was greeted at heaven’s gates by her husband, Rev. Charlie L. Ellis; one daughter, Martha Ann Ellis Kitchen; and a nephew, Robert Lee Ellis. She was also reunited with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Emmitt and Ola Mae Gunn; and her sisters, Willa Mae Houston, Lelia Jackson and Cornelia Gunn; as well as her great-granddaughter, Ta Riya Marann Manley.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Willie Ruth (Darrell) Dixon, Rev. Charles Frank Ellis, Willie Lewis Ellis, Jeanette Ellis, Amos Ellis, Bernice Moore and Pastor Ernest (Vicki) Ellis, all of Youngstown; siblings, Emmitt Gunn Jr. of Youngstown and Nancy Ruth Houston of Roanoke, Alabama; 16 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; special daughter-in-love, Doris Ellis; and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Mount Zion Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m.

(special notice)