Larry Ellis

Rev. Larry Ellis was born on June 28, 1952, in Joliet, Illinois. He was the youngest of four children born to Minnie Mae and Oree Ellis Sr.

Rev. Ellis attended grade school at McKinley Park elementary school, Washington Jr. High, and Joliet Central High School. Larry had a love for fishing and grew up going on fishing trips with family members. He loved working with his dad, learning the trade of carpentry, which he enjoyed working on projects until he departed this life. In 1970, he enlisted into the United States Army to serve his country (during the wartime years). During his army years, Larry worked as a chemical worker, and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter Badge, and Marksman Badge until he was honorably discharged. Larry was a very personable, outgoing man, who often thought he was a comedian. He was a great counsel and confidante who had a special way of connecting with people and understanding them.

Rev. Ellis began his Christian journey at St. Mark C.M.E. Church in Joliet, Illinois as a young toddler, whom his mother, Minnie Mae, made a point of making sure that he went to Sunday School and worship service so that he knew the importance of being in the Lord’s house. Although he steered away from the church for a while, he found his calling and was led back to the church in the early 2000’s. Witnessing his father, Oree Ellis rendering his life to God as one of his faithful servants he began attending St. Mark C.M.E. Church with his father, on a regular basis. In 2003, he was ordained a minister under the pastorate of Rev. Stephen D. Deloney, whom he worked with untiringly, to help build up the Kingdom of God. He faithfully served as an Exhorter, a Sunday School teacher, a Steward, the Men’s Ministry, and ordained a local Deacon at St. Mark. In 2021, he retired from the ministry, but continued to serve in various capacities, when called upon; under the leadership of Rev. Cameron J. Moore, until his passing.

Rev. Ellis further expanded his ministry into the community by serving on various community boards and being a community activist. In 2019, Larry joined SpeakUp and Vote, an organization dedicated to empowering the community by providing and connecting people to resources and education. As an activist, Rev. Larry was influential in several successful initiatives that were a catalyst in positive change for the community.

Rev. Ellis was preceded in death by his loving parents, Minnie Mae and Oree Ellis Sr., his maternal and paternal grandparents: Rethia and Louie Wilborn, and Sisley and Alfred Ellis. One brother, Oree Ellis Jr., and a special cousin, Raymond Moffett.

On July 29, 2024, surrounded by memories of a life well lived, Larry’s journey came to an end. He leaves to cherish his memory, his four children; Shimriah Catresea Travis (Moriel), Dr. Larry French and a special daughter-in-law, Emily French, Bartlesville, OK, LaToya Myer (Eric), Bloomington, IL and LaTrese April, Joliet, IL. His devoted, loving sisters, Dorothy Arrington (Bill-deceased) and Joyce Holmes (Robert-deceased). 11 grandchildren: Keturah Otunda Ma’at, Tzionah and Amriah McClerklin, Koby, Zekiah, and Levi French, Kevin Barber, Iyanna, Jamari, Tanaya, Aniyah, and Samiyah Myer and 3 great-grandchildren, Zy’Ianna and Zy’ion Barber, and Sage Oriyah. A very special fur-baby, Toby. Special niece and nephew, Cynthia and Curtis (Amanda) Ellis. Loving nieces Kasonja Arrington-Anderson (Earnest), Nicole Jordan (Dexter), and Valencia Holmes. Hosts of cousins, great nieces and nephews, friends, as well as his church family. Special Brothers in Christ, Bro. Isiah Andy Anderson and Bro. Albert Powell.

Rev. Ellis truly loved the Lord, and his family. He was a man who always led those he counseled, in the right direction, and stood ready to help anyone when called upon. Throughout his life’s journey, Larry has positively impacted and inspired many people. He was truly a man after God’s own heart. His spirit of servitude, love, laughter, compassion, kindness and cool will be deeply missed by all. 

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