Mother Rosa Bell Ellison

Mother Rosa Bell Edwards Ellison peacefully gained her wings on March 23, 2026, at home surrounded by love.  A faithful servant of God, she lived a life rooted in grace, compassion and unwavering devotion to her family and her church.

Mother Ellison was the devoted and loving wife of 42 years to Deacon Joseph Ellison, Sr.  A union built on faith, love and commitment.  She was not only a mother to her own children, but a mother to many, opening her heart and home to all who needed love and guidance.  Known affectionately as everyone’s favorite aunt and sweetest lady anyone could ever meet, her kindness left a lasting impression on all who crossed her path.  To her grandchildren by blood and by love, she was truly a grandmother to many.

She was a proud graduate of Colleton High School Class of 1960. Mother Ellison carried a strong work ethic throughout her life.  She dedicated 15 years as a Bank Teller with Chase Bank in New York, where her warm spirit and gentle smile touched countless customers.  She later continued her career with Carolina Textile Clothing, where she worked faithfully for 25 years before retiring. 

Her love for the Lord was evident in everything she did.  Mother Ellison was a very active and dedicated member of her church, always ready to serve, uplift and encourage others.  Whether through her words, her prayers, or her presence, she made sure everyone felt the Love of God.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Mother Ellison fought like the Champion she was strong in faith, resilient in Spirit, and surrounded by love until the very end.  Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in all of us.

Mother Rosa Ellison was preceded in death by her mother, Lucinda Edwards; other parents, Fraizer and Otha Williams; son, Christopher Ellison; great-grandson, Jamarious Edwards; brothers, Earl Edwards, William Edwards, Nathaniel Edwards, Elder Fraizer Williams, Jr., Bishop Elijah Williams, Ernest Lee Williams, and James Landy and brother-in-law, Henry Ellison.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted husband, Joseph Ellison, Sr.; children, Joseph Ellison, Jr., Julius Ellison (Loretta) and Yvette Edwards); four grandchildren, Patricia Edwards Gadsden (Keyahn), Sade Coleman (Bryan), Tiffany Stewart (Devoun) and Adrian Ellison; two great grandchildren, Aubree Mosley (reared in the home) and Yera Stewart; three brothers, Ervin Edwards (Betty), Bishop Anderson Williams (Mother Glenda) and Robert Williams; six sisters, Martha Smalls, Oatherine Singleton (Elder Jospeh), Sadie Mathis, Anges Allen, Emma Landy and Mary Williams; two sisters-in-law, Terry Williams and Rebecca White; one brother-in-law,  Edgar Ellison; a special cousin more like a daughter, Vonda Ancrum; Godchildren, Tempest Shakera Brown and Latasha Pencile Williams and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

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