Olivia Ann Ellzey was born into time on June 3, 1937 in Guilford County, North Carolina to Henry and Bessie Ratliffe. Olivia met Marvin Hullon Ellzey, Sr., in Newport News, Virginia while he served in the U.S. Army. The couple married in Chicago and had four children—Marvin Hullon Ellzey, Jr., Elizabeth Ellzey Banks, Clyde Maurice Ellzey and Linniel Ellzey.
In Chicago, Olivia started a career in the insurance industry. In April of 1983, her company New York Life Insurance reorganized, and Olivia was transferred from Chicago, Illinois to Minneapolis, Minnesota. After 31 years of service, Olivia retired from New York Life Insurance. For many years, Olivia also enjoyed fragrance modeling, print work and acting in television commercials.
In September of 1983, Olivia and her mother Evangelist Bessie Ratliffe visited True Apostolic Assembly Church, where the late Bishop Robert Hill was the pastor. On October 15, 1984, Olivia gave her life to GOD and was filled with the Holy Ghost. Olivia truly enjoyed life, she loved church and fellowshipping with saints, family and friends. She also enjoyed writing newsletters, plays, traveling, missionary board and serving as a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord. In August 2013, Olivia joined The Potter’s House Apostolic Ministry. She served faithfully as a board member and deaconess. She also led the pastor’s aide committee and care ministry.
In September 2001, Olivia was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia. After her treatments, Olivia was cancer free for 15 years. In June of 2017, Olivia was diagnosed with acute leukemia and underwent treatment. She never complained despite the pain or effects of the medicine.
On June 13, 2018 at 9:30 a.m., God received Olivia from time into eternity and released her from her pain and suffering. Olivia was preceded in death by her mother and father. She is survived by her brother William Henry Ratliffe and sister Sarah Ratliffe, four children—Marvin Hullon Ellzey, Jr., Elizabeth Ellzey Banks, Clyde Maurice (Marvia) Ellzey and Linniel Ellzey, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one godson Jeremiah Johnson. A spiritual goddaughter Juliett Edwards-Hill, a spiritual sister Sondra Williams, a good friend Josephine Wade, and a spiritual son and daughter, Pastor Joseph and Lady Pamela Worrells as well as many other family members and dear friends to cherish her memory.
The Perfect Grandmother
This is the legacy that I have for you grandmother. My perfect grandmother was Olivia Ellzey and to all of us you gave your best. You were happy, kind and filled with joy. Your smile always brightened someone’s day. My grandmother’s words were filled with love and praise. Her hugs and kisses we all miss today. Now the time has come for you to rest. So, go in peace because your love is in our hearts. I love you.
Alyna Olivia Banks, Granddaughter
In lieu of flowers, donations to Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cancer Foundation.
