Mrs. Ellison, affectionately called "MaDear" was born on July 24, 1932, in Havana, FL., to Sweeter Hawkins and Littena Wellons. Mrs. Ellison became a Christian at an early age. Upon relocating to Tampa, she became an active member of Mt. Moriah P.B. Church, under the pastorship of Rev. J.B. Bryant. In 1954, she married William Ellison, Jr., and later joined New Hope M.B. Church, under the leadership of Rev. John Willis. Her favorite activities were attending church, cooking for her family and friends, gardening in her yard, visiting the sick and shut in, sharing words of wisdom, knowledge, and the word of Jesus Christ. She was a member of New Hope M.B. Church for more than 50 years. Her past church ministries included deaconess, usher, choir, day mission, and culinary.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sweeter Hawkins and Littena Wellons; stepfather, Joe Potts; and brothers, Clinton, and Major Wilson.

She leaves precious memories with husband, William Ellison, Jr.; children, Delores Ellison Downing (Keith), Evelyn Ellison McFadden (Joseph-Deceased), and Debra Ellison Martin (Joseph); grandchildren, Rev. Dr. Calvin J. McFadden, Sr. (Jamina), Omari K. Downing, Jamela McFadden Grier (Aubrey, Sr.), Corey J. McFadden, Jelani A. Downing (Christina), and Kenneth A. Knight II; great grandchildren, Catherine Y. McFadden, Calvin J. McFadden, Jr., Grace N. Knight, Stella G. Grier, Aubrey O. Grier, Jr., and Courtney E. Downing; sister, Brunice Elmore; nephews, Ellis Elmore, Jr., Ray Elmore, Kevin Elmore, Clinton Wilson, Jr., Richmond Wilson, Johnny Wilson and Alfonso Ellison; nieces, Mary Elmore Wilson, Emma Elmore Noel, Martha Elmore Hicks, and Diane Elmore Sutton; special cousins, Marjorie Graham Cooper, Betty Jo Hayes, Kathy Graham, and the Rembert sisters; special friends, the Cook, Douglas, Lafayette, Livingston, Mitchell, McNeely, Mungin, Nelson, Peterson, and Wynn families; New Hope M.B. Church Senior Day Mission family and former Lockhart Elementary School work family; and a village of family, loved ones and friends.

Visitation
Friday, January 20, 2023
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
3005 E Ellicott St
Tampa, FL 33610

Funeral Service
Saturday, January 21, 2023
11:30 AM
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
3005 E Ellicott St, Tampa, FL 33610
Tampa, FL 33610