Obituary of Jessie Ellis

Sister Jessie Mae Smith Ellis was born September 6, 1937 in Jonesville, Louisiana, to Reverend Sam Houston Smith, Sr. and Malissa Washington Smith. She graduated from Peabody High School.

Jessie professed a belief in Jesus Christ throughout her life. She was a member of Second New Light Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Rev Jamison T. Harris.

In 1958, Jessie was united in marriage to Roosevelt Ellis, Jr, her husband of 61 years. To this union five daughters were born. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Marla Ellis Hunter. Her Parents, Malissa Johnson and Sam Smith. Two Sisters, Ruby L. Smith and Rosa Copes and one brother, George Smith.

Jessie retired from the Louisiana Special Education Center as a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant in 1987. Several years later, she worked as a sample demonstrator at Sam’s Club where her pleasant smile brightened the days of many customers.

Jessie always made sure everyone was fed. You would often find Jessie in her kitchen cooking Mustard greens, sweet potatoes, rice and gravy-just to make a few. She treasured her entire family and always saw the positive in everyone. She always spoke words of encouragement including “the only thing that beats a failure is a try” and “you can do anything the next person can do”.

Jessie leaves to cherish her memories four daughters, Pamela K. Henton (Jerry) of Leesville, Louisiana, Diane M. Ellis, Felicia A. Ellis, and Paula E. Miles (Russell) all of Alexandria, Louisiana. Three sisters, Annie Harrell, Betty Johnson (Oliver), both of Indianapolis, Indiana and Carolyn Banks (Sparks) of Tupelo, Mississippi. Four brothers, Sam Smith, Jr. (Mary), Rev. Ronald Smith, Donald Smith (Sharon), Roger K. Smith (Sandra) and Robert Smith all of Indianapolis, Indiana. Seven grandchildren, Jerry Henton, Jr. (Mae), LaTroya D. Woolridge (Arthur), DeAndrea Henton, Tiffany Foster, Ashley Hunter, Brandon Smellie, Jessica Miles, and Joshua Miles in addition to nine great grandchildren; several close Sister and Brother in laws; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.