Dr. Beverly Elaine Ellis

Reflections of Life in the Heart of a Servant

Doctor Beverly Elaine Ellis, a revered lady of elegance and grace, dedicated her life to serving God and humanity. The “First Lady Emeritus” of New Northside Missionary Baptist Church and faithful member of Olivet Missionary Baptist Church who knew no boundaries, transitioned from labor to reward on Thursday, January 21. In her 81 years of life on this terra-firma we call earth, she fought a good fight, she kept the faith, she finished her assignment, now there is in store for her the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to her on that day. Hitherto her soul is now free indeed and resting in the bosom of Abraham, as are all who have longed for our Lord and Saviors’ appearing.

Humble Beginnings

Young Beverly was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 14, 1939, to the union of Elder Frank and Rose Coleman; from this union, she was the eldest of five children. Her parents and sister, JoAnn Hunt, preceded her in death. 

Beverly was baptized at Kennerly Temple C.O.G.I.C., under the leadership of Elder Hayden, at an early age. She later joined Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor W.S. Jones.

Young Beverly had a calling on her life and didn’t know that her steps were being ordered by the Lord. As a child she was poised with grace. Never wanting to get dirty, she was the good child who expressed herself in art by painting and drawing. Being the oldest, her younger siblings looked up to her and named her “Goody Two-Shoes.” She always had a nurturing spirit, caring for the needs of others more than her own.

A Virtuous Woman Called and Equipped to Serve

It was not an accident that Beverly and her “husband to be” attended Sumner high school. Neither was it an accident that both were in the choir and shared a love of music. After graduating from Sumner in 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Willie Ellis, on July 26, 1958. She was the embodiment of beauty, integrity, wisdom, grace, love, and excellence.
She was his lady, he was her love, and together they served the Lord with gladness. She knew little that their marriage was the foundation that God would build a life of service, humanitarian efforts, and community involvement that would span 47 years.

For 53 years, First Lady Ellis modeled a trusted helpmeet, united in love, and dedicated as a servant of the Lord working alongside her esteemed husband and friend. She exemplified the essence of the Proverbs 31 Woman in her own right, as she served her husband and family with dignity. Their love for music and obedience to God formed an unshakable union that blossomed into two daughters, Pamela and Rolanda, whom she truly adored. Years later after working, being a devoted wife & mother, she continued her education at Harris Stowe Teachers College, where she received her BA degree in Education. Beverly then went on to complete an MS in Psychology at SIUE. She joined the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and the Order of the Eastern Star.

She put her degrees to work and went straight into the St. Louis Public Schools. She began as a teacher at Wyman Elementary, then Scullin Elementary, and finally, Lexington Elementary as a Counselor, from which she retired after 30+ years of teaching and counseling.

Beverly was a loving, nurturing mother. She looked forward to shopping with her daughters every weekend and enjoyed their mother-daughter time. Beverly was known for her beautiful smile and her love for her family. Her role as “Grandmother” was worn like a badge of honor. To Beverly, family was everything and her motto was “FAMILY FIRST.” She was also elevated to great-grandmother and got to spend many precious moments with her great-grandchildren throughout their life.

By all accounts, First Lady Ellis was content and intentional about winning souls for Christ from the moment her husband was called into the ministry. Her passion for God was infectious as she served in various positions in the ministry. She was the youth supervisor, Vacation Bible School Director, and Child Development Center Staffing Supervisor & Board member. Beverly was the Coronation Committee Chairman, which became her favorite event to plan. She was a member of the church chorus and led many songs such as “Precious Lord, Walk Around Heaven” and “I Can Go to God in Prayer.” She was committed to every title she was given, up until the passing of her husband, Bishop Willie Ellis. Beverly was honored to work alongside her husband and be First Lady for 47 years at New Northside Missionary Baptist Church and First Lady Emeritus until she later joined Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. L.D. Tate. She wore many hats and was saved and sanctified, but her most cherished role was a saint and now she’s going to meet the King. Like her husband admonished the saints just before he transitioned, we are sure Beverly would want us all to say, “Amen,” for God does all things well. So, let the church say amen, let the church say amen, God has spoken, so Let The Church Say Amen.

A Legacy of Love and Blessing

“And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth and thou shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in thee and thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed” (Gen. 28: 14 KJV). Dr. Beverly Elaine Ellis has left us to find whom her soul loveth. To continue her legacy and celebrate her life, she leaves: two daughters, Pamela Ann and Rolanda Delphine (Hariel); six grandchildren, Beverly (Donnie), Ashley, Brittany (Rakem), Hiram (Maisha), Ashton (Jessica), and Alexis (Andre); thirteen great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Addison, D’Andre, Taylor, Rakem, Ryann, Rolanda, Reece, Hiram III, Emari, Ashton, Aria, and Laron; four brothers, Rudolph (Jackie), Benjamin (Karen), Gilbert (Cecilia), and Giovanni (Sheila); two Godsons, William (Tammi) and James (Keia); two Goddaughters, Leslie and Sharon; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and her wonderful New Northside Missionary Baptist and Olivet Missionary Baptist Church families.

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