Deacon Joseph M. Ellison

Deacon Joseph Moses Ellison was born January 15, 1927, in Blythewood, South Carolina. He was the beloved son of the late Elder Ervin and Viola (Samuel) Ellison. On Sunday, September 10, 2023, the Lord called, and Deacon Ellison answered and peacefully departed this earthly life, ascending into heaven to be with the Lord, while at Prisma Health Richland Hospital.

“Brutt” as he was affectionately called by family and friends, was educated in the public schools of Fairfield County where he attended Little Zion School in Blythewood, SC. He was employed all his life in the automotive industry first with Pulliam Ford, then Bob Bennett Ford, and Classic Ford Companies from which he retired after many years of dedicated service.

Joseph was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Ruth Nelson Ellison before she went home to be with the Lord. Their union of love was blessed with many years of love, devotion, and the births of seven (7) children.

Deacon Ellison was a lifelong (96 years) member of Little Zion Baptist Church. During his tenure he and his late wife Ruth were the founders of the LZBC Pastor’s Aide, served as a member of the Deacons Ministry, Missionary Society, Leader and member of the Sr. Usher Board and Men’s Chorus, oh how he loved to sing. In the community he was a member of the Bright Stars Quartette group, President of the Blythewood Ushers Union, 321 Community Club, and a member of several softball teams.

Joseph led a highly active life and loved to play and coach softball, and he enjoyed bowling. He would participate in turkey shoots, was an excellent marksman, gardener and was known as “the man beside the road with the collard greens.” He also enjoyed landscaping, was an excellent griller, all of which were especially important to him. Of all these things, the most important to him was helping the elderly in the community. He lived and led a life that was holy and righteous, exemplifying the Fruits of the Spirit.

He was a man after God’s own heart, who loved God, his family, his church, and the community.

In addition to his wife Ruth, and his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, Randolph M. Ellison; grandson, Christon J. Anderson; brother, Freddie Ellison, Sr.; sisters, Carrie E. Kennedy, and Josie E. Cannon.

Deacon Ellison leaves to cherish fond and precious memories to his loving children, Joseph T. Ellison, Jr, Christine E. (Leon) Scott, Lucinda E. Malone, Louetta Ellison-Thomas, Terriseda E. (George) Ross and Evangelist Tonya D. Ellison; 17 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; five (5) great great-grandchildren; his brother, Deacon Isiah Ellison; a host of nephews, nieces, and other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom will dearly miss him, but rejoice that he is now resting with the Lord.

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