Johnnie Ellis

A life defined by generosity, dedication and service to others, transitioned intoeternity on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Johnnie Ellis was born on March 10, 1927in Benton, MS to Ed and Alberta Ellis, whom both preceded him in death.Johnnie accepted Christ as his personal savior later in life at the Liberty M.B.Church pastored by Rev. Johnny Robinson in Bentonia, MS. He later moved hismembership to the Temple Love M.B Church under the leadership of Rev. RobWilliams.In 1945, he joined the U.S. Army where he serves as a Military Police officer.Soon after joining the military, he was united in holy matrimony to BeatriceForeman. To this union three (3) kids were born. One (1) son preceded himdeath: Fred Ellis. Seven (7) brothers and four (4) sisters also preceded him indeath Ed (Red), Kennard, J.B., Williard, Mayso, Robert (Nuttie), Harvey (Man),Martha, Cora Lean, Kathie, and Ina Mae.Johnnie was a construction laborer (masonry) for much of his life and he also farmed. He was an active memberof the NAACP. He was always a strong political supporter for many years where he participated in local andstate campaigns and election activities along with regular attendance to Black Caucus meetings. He wasassigned as a special deputy under Sheriff Dale Hancock. He was a former board member of the Central YazooWater Association until 2007. Johnnie was a strong community activist enjoying helping others and sharing allhe had to enrich the lives of others.In his spare time, Johnnie was a true outdoorsman for he loved enjoying all that the outdoors and nature had tooffer. He truly had a passion for hunting and fishing. He enjoyed gardening and growing his own vegetables.Johnnie (Silver-Head Daddy) also loved riding motorcycles where he was an active member of the Golden Eaglesand Lion Riders Motorcycle Associations.Johnnie leaves to cherish in his memories, his loving and devoted wife of seventy (70) years, Beatrice Ellis ofBentonia, MS; three (3) daughters Hope (Ollie) Jackson of Madisonville, LA, Johnnie Ruth (Dewayne) Townsendof Bentonia, MS, and Pamela (Ira) Jackson of Milton, FL; one (1) sister Ethel Whiter of Yazoo City, MS; five (5)sisters-in-law Bennie Davis of Benton, MS, Gloria Steen Ellis of Bentonia, MS, Teresa Foreman of Yazoo City,MS, Betty Barnett of Chicago, IL and Lemmie Ellis of Yazoo City, MS; one (1) brother-in-law James Foreman;eighteen (18) grandchildren, thirty-three (33) great-grandchildren, ten (10) great-great grandchildren, and a hostof nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. They reared Sylvia Ellis and Clifton, Greta, Norma and Todd Shaffer.