Johnnie Ellis

Johnnie Ellis, son of John Ellis and Ethel Roberts Ellis, was born December 25, 1924 in Beaumont, Texas. He grew up in Lovelady, Texas, where he attended school in the community of Center Grove. He served bravely during World War II as a member of the United States Navy, from which he was honorably discharged in 1948. Upon his discharge from the military, Johnnie settled in Los Angeles, California, and was employed by Kenneth Chevrolet. He joined Hays Tabernacle CME Church, where he was an active choir member. He was blessed with a melodious tenor voice, and occasionally sang with local gospel artists in the Los Angeles area during the late 1940's, 1950's and early 1960's. In the late forties, Johnnie met and married Dora Jean Stein, with whom he had one daughter. Dora Jean would predecease him. In 1953, he married Velma Lee Sutton. To this union, two daughters were born. His wife Velma would also predecease him. After Velma's death in 1974, Johnnie relocated to Houston, Texas, and began employment with M & J Valve industries. He joined Jones Memorial United Methodist Church, and was a member of several choirs. It was at Jones Memorial where he met and married Bernice Bingham in 1984. Johnnie and Bernice spent many of their golden years together, until her death in 2007. After the death of Bernice, Johnnie spent his afternoons as a greeter at the Barnett Sports Complex and remained a faithful member of Jones Memorial United Methodist Church until his health began to fail him. He will be remembered as a good friend, a loving husband and a devoted father. He departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, August 15, 2012. His brother Willie and eldest daughter Barbara were already at Heaven's gate, awaiting his arrival. To cherish his memory, he leaves two daughters, LaTishia Neely (M.C.), of Houston, Texas and Sondra Ellis, of Los Angeles, California; nephews Willie Ellis, Jr. and Donald Ellis; niece Paulette Ellis; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.