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Obituary For Michael Edward Ellis
REVEREND DOCTOR MICHAEL EDWARD ELLIS
Reverend Doctor Michael E. Ellis is a native of Salisbury, North Carolina, and the son of the late Mrs. Gwendolyn Turner Ellis and the late George Henry Ellis, also of Salisbury. Dr. Ellis graduated from Salisbury High School in 1972 and Livingstone College in 1976 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology. In 1979 he received his Master of Divinity degree from Hood Theological Seminary. He further continued his trilogy of degrees by graduating from Drew University – The Theological School – in Madison, N.J. in 1987 with the Doctor of Ministry degree. He is also a graduate from the Naval School and Training for Chaplains in Newport, Rhode Island.
As an ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church he pastored churches in the Western North Carolina Conference under the late Bishop William Milton Smith, such as Liberty Mission Church1972-74; Siloam Church Statesville, 1974- 75, Clement Memorial, Charlotte, 1975-76; St. John, Mocksville 1976-79.
In 1979 upon completion of his seminary degree he was transferred to the Western New York Conference under the late Bishop Herbert Bell Shaw and pastored Durham Memorial, Buffalo from 1979-81. He later transferred to the Tennessee Conference under the late Bishop Clinton R. Coleman and pastored First A.M.E. Zion Church, Knoxville, TN from 1981-1992.
Bishop George W.C. Walker, Sr., needed a person to take the leadership of the historic Columbus Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church, Boston, MA and transferred Dr. Ellis to Boston where he served as Senior Pastor from 1992-2006. As a member of the New England Conference, Dr. Ellis served in many capacities: Chair of Conference studies, member of the Holy Orders Committee, Finance Committee, Camp Barber, Conference Treasurer, member of the Board of Directors of Harriet Tubman Home, Inc.
While in Boston, Dr. Ellis served as an Adjunct professor of Christian Social Ethics at Boston University school of Theology. He also had the distinction of being guest preacher for the annual Martin Luther King Day held in Marsh Chapel; guest Preacher for the Preaching Forum at Boston University also held at Marsh Chapel.
Dr. Ellis has served as a contributor to the Quarterly Review of the A.M.E. Zion Church; Missionary Seer (December 2006, December 2007 & January 2008 edition) and was honored as the Pastor of the Year for 2003 Boston District; Father of the Year 2003 by the Pastor’s Aid Board of Columbus Avenue.
Currently, Dr. Ellis serves as one of the delegates to the General Assembly of the National Council of Churches of Christ USA and also represents the A.M.E. Zion Church on the National Councils Interfaith Relations Commission. He has served as a delegate to the General Conference since 1980. He was a member of The Board of Trustees Emeritus of Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury, NC. He was inducted into the 1885 society at Hood Seminary; he received the distinguish alumni award, and was also inducted into the Hall of Fame at Livingstone College. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Dr. Ellis is the retired chairman of th Religious/Liberal Studies Department and a tenured Associate Professor of Religion. He is the author of a book, “A Royal Pulpit: Fifty years of preaching in the classical tradition”.
He was serving as the Presiding Elder of the Greensboro District – West Central North Carolina Conference, A.M.E. Zion Church- Piedmont Episcopal District where he serves on the admissions board; conference studies, and chair of the Holy Orders committee.
He leaves to cherish great memories his wife of 33 years Renee’, son, Michael Edward, II, and daughter, Zoya Orianna, granddaughter, Mckenzie, siblings, Arthur Turner (Joyce), Austin,TX, Calvin Turner, Salisbury, NC, George C. Ellis, Statesville, NC, Gwendolyn Ellis-Hall (Renwick),Charlotte, NC, Wayne R. Ellis, Charleston, SC, Brenda Chalk (Michael), Salisbury, NC. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues, and the Greensboro District, Devoted Administrative Assistant Dr. Dorothy
K. Colson, Dear friends Rev. Dr. Joel D. and Rev. Ruby D. Miles.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, December 5, 2024 12pm Trinity AME Zion Church 631 East Florida Street Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation 11am.
Burial will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park 3600 North O'Henry Boulevard Greensboro, North Carolina.
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Tim Riddick sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Michael Edward Ellis - December 03, 2024
Our condolences. Praying that God brings you peace during this difficult time. Rev. Ellis left a stamp in the community that is unforgettable. Legends never die.
With love Stacey, Mara, Carrie, Tim
Thomas Goss sent Lily and Rose Tribute Spray for Michael Edward Ellis - December 01, 2024
Blessings and love Dear Cousin Renee. . Your Cousins, the John Goss family, The Josephine Goss Sims family, The Thomas Goss Family, The Lewis Goss family and the Gregory Goss family.
7 Trees were planted in memory of Michael Edward Ellis - December 01, 2024
Robin R Woods planted 7 trees in memory of Michael Edward Ellis . - November 30, 2024
In sympathy and prayer of comfort for the Ellis family.
Rev. Mia Butler (St. Phillip AME Zion Church: Greensboro, District)
Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the Ellis and the Greensboro District Family. Truly a man of God, very kind and humble. May the words he spoke, you share it with others; May the love he gave, you share with others; Finally, the love of the Lord he carried in him, you continued to give it to others. Be encouraged and may God continue to bless and keep you in the days of ahead. The officers and members of the Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Zion Church (Rockingham, NC) Rev. Rodney Moore, Pastor
Greetings to Renee & the entire family. Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences! May you find strength and comfort in knowing our prayers ae with you during this difficult time. So sorry we are unable to attend the service, but we will stay in touch with you. God Bless you all!
Prayers & Love, Reverends Gary & Patty Smith Shelby, NC
I don't have enough words to describe how amazing Dr. Ellis was to me while I was one of his Religious Studies Students at Livingstone College. He poured into me and I am forever grateful. You all have my deepest condolences and my prayers are with you on today and the days to come.
We are sharing in your sorrow in the transitioning of your love one. Dr. Ellis was a gentle, caring giant. His personality of meekness and godliness stood out. He will be forever in our hearts as we strive to carry out his legacy of love for God and his fellow man. Wayman Chapel A.M. E. Zion Church, Hamlet, N. C. , Rev. G. Rebecca Warren, Pastor and Church Family
Heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy are extended to the family. Presiding Elder Dr Michael Ellis was a phenomenal leader, educator, mentor and servant of Hod. His influence, resilience and example remain a beautiful legacy. Sandra Culmer and Family
Heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy are extended to the family. Presiding Elder Dr. Michael Ellis was a phenomenal leader, educator, mentor and servant of God. His influence, resilience and example remain a beautiful legacy.
Rev. Ellis reminded me of my father, quiet, strong, kind and powerful. He was my pastor for many years. My daughter and Zoya grew up together and still remain good friends. Thank you Rev. Ellis for being one of the best pastors I've ever had. The time that you, Mrs. Ellis, Zoya and Michael spent at Columbus Avenue gave me great memories that I will never forget and it was all because of your leadership. You will always have a special place in my heart. With love, Stacey Coplin King❤️
As a child I remembered going to Columbus Avenue AME Zion Church. Seeing this small man in stature mount the pulpit and break the bread of life. When he opened his mouth to deliver what God has given him he seemed like a giant. He will truly be missed. The Ave has never been the same since his departure.
To The Family of Rev Dr Michael E. Ellis, The St John AME Zion Church Family, Mocksville, NC send our most heartfelt condolences❤️. When he pastored at St John as a young man we knew without a doubt he would become an amazing minister😊. May our fondest memories of him live on forever in our hearts. Prayers and Blessings to each of you❣️ The St John AME Zion Church Family
To the family of Rev. Dr. Michael E. Ellis. Thank you all for sharing Rev. Ellis with us. He is a man of little words but when he speaks It's always with such amazing Spiritual Power. I can and always will him preach with that Spiritual power. And as a friend he was always genuine. Thank you Rev. Ellis For the things you taught me about the ministry, teachings that I have used and continue to use in the ministry God has given me. Thank you Rev. You are and will be definitely missed. R.I.H.P.
Renee and family Condolences and deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God continue to strengthen you through this difficult time. Concord District Minister's Spouses & Widow (ers) Fellowshjp.
Renee, we offer our deepest condolences to your family. God is able to comfort us in all that we go through and give us peace. We pray that comfort, as we celebrate Michael's transition to where we Hope to be and meet one day. Till then we pray God's continued blessing on you and your family. Love Wesley and Cynthia Curtis
. My deepest condolences to the family of Dr.Ellis.
It will always be one of the joys of my life to have served with Rev. Ellis, his quiet manor was so impactful and his knowledge and love of the Church was so inspiring. And getting to know his family, Renee and Zoya was a bonus, thank you God for these honors. Bless and comfort the Ellis family.
My deepest sympathies to our first family during this time. May God bring you comfort and peace. I pray the memories of Rev. Will linger in your hearts and minds each day and that those memories will comfort your spirits and encourage your souls. He was truly a blessing to all of us at Columbus Avenue. Sending much love to you as you relinquish him back to our Father. May God bring you that peace that surpasses all understanding. You are in my prayers always. MaryAnne McGruder AGape choir
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Michael and Joyce Scruggs
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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