Minister Imelda Ellison

Minister Imelda Ellison, the youngest of four girls, was born on October 1, 1938 to Milton and Esther Johnson. Her parents and sisters, Mildred Render and Audrey Moore, preceded her in death. MaryJane Rawlings remains, residing in Baltimore, Maryland.

Imelda attended Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament and graduated from St. Edwards High School. She was employed at Poly Clinic Hospital as an EKG technician and St. Luke’s Hospital, as a nurse’s aide, retiring from Stouffer’s. Later in life, Imelda returned to school, pursuing a degree in Religious and Women’s Studies at Ursuline College.

After visiting Emmanuel Baptist Church, at the suggestion of a friend, Imelda yielded to the Lord’s voice, and converted on August 27, 1978. Soon after, she was baptized by then Pastor, Reverend Sterling Glover and, under his mentorship, she began what became a lifelong pursuit of God and His Word, (2 Timothy 2:15).

During her pursuit, Imelda yielded to the second call on her life to evangelize (May 31, 1991). Imelda took evangelism very seriously, as was evidenced by the many different translations of Bible’s she owned, as well as many other scholarly tools, used to equip herself to speak to whomever she may have encountered, about the Lord, on their level.

Imelda was later called to preach the gospel, being especially passionate about teaching women and their role in the church. So passionate was she, in fact, that she started her work with “Advocates for Women in Ministry.” This ministry started, in 1995, to support, equip and educate women. This work to support women, women ministers and educators, stemmed from Titus 3:5, thus allowing God to do a new thing (rebirth) in us and through us by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Although Emmanuel was her true church home, Imelda would go wherever God led her to help start Bible study classes and women’s ministries in many area churches. Some of Imelda’s activities included: starting a bible study class at Lee Road Baptist Church called the Christian Adventure Bible Study Class (1991-1994); initiating an Intercessory Prayer Ministry at Lee-Seville Baptist Church, (1995-1997); becoming an ordained Deacon at Old Stone Church, serving communion with the other Deacons, (2002-2005). On September 27, 2009 she received her license from Pastor Irma Williams, from the Hundrefold Church, a stepping stone to the pulpit which allowed her to perform weddings and funerals.

But, it was at her home church that Imelda was most active. Throughout her years at Emmanuel, she joined the ministerial staff. Imelda also diligently served in the church choir; she was also a teacher for Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. Imelda was active with the Evangelism Ministry, Women’s Ministry, and the Community Outreach Ministry which provided health fairs and the “Clothes for Kids” program.

Imelda was married to Edward James Ellison and to this union were born three children: Victoria Ellison, June Adams, and Bruce Edward Ellison. She enjoyed singing and music, spending time with family and friends, baking, watching sports, figure skating, studying and teaching God’s Word. She enjoyed fashion, wearing the latest styles and most often kept her hair in red tones. In her younger years, she was often compared to Aretha Franklin.

Imelda leaves to cherish her memories, her three children: Victoria, June and Bruce (Debra), her sister MaryJane Rawlings (John), nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her dear Emmanuel Baptist Church family.

There is a timefor everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

(Ecclesiastes 3:1,2,4 NIV).

Your Mother is always with you. She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street. She’s the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore. She’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not feeling well. She’s your breath in the air on a cold winter’s day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow. She is Christmas morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. …

She’s the place you came from, your first home, and she’s the map you follow with every step you take. She’s your first love; your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space…not even death! Humbly Submitted~The Family