Janice Ellison

Janice Lorei’ Ball-Ellison was born May 2, 1962 to the union of Willie and Annie Ball.  She was the eldest of three daughters.  Jan, as she was so affectionately know, brought a ray of sunshine to whatever environment she entered, with her “Happy (whatever day of the week it was)”.  This was her motto!  All that she endured, all that she went through, it was always a happy day!

Jan attended Edward F. Dunne Elementary, where she had early involvement high school classes in 7th grade. She then attended Harlem Community Academy and she graduated in 1980.  She attended Chicago State University, majoring in Accounting. 

She was always full of life even as a child. We can remember that her and her childhood friends (Veronica, Yvette, Lorez, Yvette P. (aka Bimbo) and Naomi) created a dance group called the “Soulful Five plus One”.  They had dance parties, entered dance contest and hosted many basement parties.

In March 1991, she married Frederick Wayne Ellison, Sr. and to this union one child was born, Frederick Wayne Ellison, Jr.

She accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Calvary COGIC under the leadership of Bishop Jerome N. Scott, Jr.  She later attended Apostolic Church of God under the leadership of Bishop Arthur M. Brazier where she worked diligently with the youth. Jan loved the Lord and was faithful to His Word.  She was an active member of Lord and Elegance Ministries under the watch of Dr. Rita R. Newell, where she attended weekly Bible Studies and annual Retreats. 

Jan survived many trials in her life from colon cancer, to her most recent leg amputation.  In spite of all of this, her outlook on life never changed. She strive in what she called her “new life” where she beat the odds, learning to walk again, drive and be independent, and returned to her job .  She knew she was God’s miracle and with that, took every opportunity to encourage the people and tell them of God’s love for them.

Jan departed this life on December 31, 2021 and leaves to cherish her wonderful memories: her parents, Willie and Annie Ball, two sisters, Alice Ball, Rita Ball, one brother, Eric Washington, one son, Frederick Ellison, Jr. (Amanda), two aunts, Wilhelmina Baker, Deborah Beals, two uncles, Robert Beals, Kirk Ball (Kathy), two nephews, Antionne Ball (Ayesha), Kenneth Bonner, Jr., a host of other nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, God-children, best friends, friends and coworkers from Continental Bank , PNC and Secretary of State.

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