Racine – Josephine Ellison, age 76, passed away unexpectedly in Indianapolis, IN on Thursday, September 28, 2017.

Mama was born in Newport, Arkansas to Jessie Cole and Lillian Conley. Her parents preceded her in death. Josephine completed her education in Newport, AR at Branch High School where she met her husband, Charles Ellison. They moved to Chicago, IL in 1958 and later divorced.

Josephine worked at Ambassador East Hotel for many, many years. She loved to cook for her family. Sewing was her hobby as well as baking. Josephine attended Mount Mariah Church. In November 2015, she moved to Indianapolis, IN where she recently attended Commited to Purpose Church under the leadership of Bishop Daldo Jones and confessed her life to Christ.

She leaved to cherish her memories: 7 daughters, Phyllis (Marvin) Miller of Indianapolis, IN; Loretta, Martina and Anita, all of Racine, WI; Deborah and Sharon of Chicago, IL; her only son, Larry (Tina) Ellison, Sr. of Racine, WI; 27 grandchildren; 69 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Robinson of Lake City, FL; brothers, Clyde Cole of Inkster, MI; Johnnie Robinson of Lake City, FL and James Robinson, Jr. of Chicago, IL; auntie, Auntie Lee; God-daughter, Margaret Barney of Arkansas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mama was preceded in death by her daughter, Trina Ellison; grandchildren, Jermal Ellison, Calvin Lynch, Martiz Cole and Vaughn Ellison; great-grandchildren, Daquarvian Hearon, Latoria Ellison and Laqwantis Hearon.

Funeral services will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, October 13, 2017 at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 am– 12:00 noon.

Service Details

Funeral service: Friday, October 13, 2017 at 11:00 am in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home

Visitation: in the funeral home on Friday from 10 am – 12 noon