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Obituary For Rolesta Ellis
Pastor Rolesta Bernice Boddie Ellis, 89, transitioned to her heavenly home, peacefully, Monday, March 7, 2022 at her residence.
Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and the daughter of the late Octavis Boddie and Julia Scott Vines, Pastor Ellis was also the beloved daughter of the late Fred Vines. Remembering so vividly the story she shared walking to the front of the church at the age of 11 years old and extended her hand to the pastor at the Baptist church with tears rolling down her face. Rolesta met the love of her life her first year in high school and married in 1951. She was a dedicated military spouse for over 30 years who traveled extensively with her husband, Master Sergeant Clarence Ellis, Sr. in the continental United States and foreign land abroad to Germany and France. She was a true Woman of Faith who was a member of Parks Chapel in Fayetteville, North Carolina. In 1965 she met The Helfin’s and joined the Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle in Richmond, Virginia. Being called into the ministry, she established the Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle of Faith in Columbus, serving as pastor until her passing. She was also a founding member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. Other than her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two siblings, Herman Whitehead and James Braswell, and a son-in-law, John Forrest. Survivors include: her loving children, Clarence E. Ellis, Jr. (Phyllis), Rolesta M. Forrest, and caregivers A. Mario Ellis and Dr. Shelia "Precious" Ellis-Evans; ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, the matriarch of the family mother-in-love, 104 years old Mrs. Alice Holloway; church family Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle of Faith members and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Pastor Ellis will Lie in State at her beloved church, Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle of Faith on Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 2 til 5 p.m.
The Homegoing Celebration for Pastor Ellis will be Friday, March 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Prayer Church of God in Christ where Pastors Gloria and Charles Rodgers will officiate. Pastor E. Christopher Washington will honor his mom by Commemorating “Mommy’s” Life. Service will be live-streamed (see clickable link below)
The interment will follow at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery.
The Staff of Progressive Funeral Home is honored to be selected to provide end of life services.
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My heart is broken when I heard about Mother Ellis. She has spoken over my life twice, first prophecy were at her daughter school right before the kids first started school when myself and others female came up to the school to pray in all the classroom, in the lunch room, the entire school. The second prophecy the same school where Dr.Evans is the Principal. We all were in Dr.Evans office. She will be truly miss. Minister Tinnetta Hunt.
My heart is broken. It seems like yesterday when Rolesta and I had a great telephone conversation, but actually it had been longer. I will truly miss my cousin Rolesta. Affectionately called, "Big Rolesta". Family, may God continue to surround each of you with loving, caring family and friends. May He comfort each of you and give you peace. I regret not being with you physically, but know that I am with you in spirit. Love you cousins. Peace be with each of you. Elizabeth "Bet" Martin
My heart was saddened to hear of Aunt Bernice passing. Sending heartfelt condolences to the family. May God surround you with his peace, comfort and love.
Warren and Alice McLaughlin Suffolk, VA
