House Resolution 105

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, SERVICE AND LEGACY OF MRS. ARELLA RENA ELLIS, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our souls' destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mrs. Arella Rena Ellis, to eternal rest on March 14, 2025, as she made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and many friends; and

WHEREAS, born on June 24, 1948, in Starkville, Mississippi, to Thomas and Ella Ellis, both of whom preceded her in death, Mrs. Ellis, affectionately known as "Rena," accepted Christ at an early age at Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church and later transferred her membership to Mt. Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay respect to the memory of one who has been called to join the innumerable heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, a proud graduate of B.L. Moor High School in Crawford, Mississippi, Rena later relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where she pursued higher education at Jones Business College, South Shore Community College and Lydia Adams Beauty College, earning a degree in cosmetology; and

WHEREAS, as love would prove itself premised on the harmonious chords of two hearts intricately woven into, Rena gave her hand in the covenant of holy matrimony to Tyrone Ellis in 1968 while the couple resided in Chicago, before later returning, in 1972, to Starkville, Mississippi, where they became business owners, establishing Wig Island and LaVilla Hair Care Salon, and from 1998 to 2005, they owned and managed the Bread of Life Christian Bookstore in downtown Starkville; and

WHEREAS, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Mrs. Ellis' love for her family was immeasurable, and she took great joy in nurturing her two children, Stephen T. Ellis and Stephanie Renee Witherspoon, and doting on her seven grandchildren, into each of whom she instilled the revered life tenets of respect, perseverance, integrity and hard work; and

WHEREAS, Rena possessed a vibrant and fulfilling life, delighting in travel, particularly to New York to enjoy Broadway performances, and indulging in her love for cakes and pies, as well as serving as President of the Oktibbeha County Federation of Democratic Women and as a member of the Oktibbeha County School Board; and

WHEREAS, a woman of deep faith and commitment, who modeled her Christian walk after Proverbs 31:10 esteem, Rena faithfully served as the First Lady of Running Water Baptist Church in Shuqualak, Mississippi, from 1995 to 2021, where she was also the Chair of Women for Christ Ministries, leading with grace and dedication; and

WHEREAS, though she has departed this earthly life to now stand upon the celestial shores in wonderment of Heaven's grandeur, in glorious reunion with the kindred spirits of loved ones who transitioned before her, the memories of Mrs. Ellis will continue to flourish in the hearts and minds of her survivors: devoted and loving husband of 57 years, Tyrone Ellis; son, Stephen T. Ellis; daughter, Stephanie Renee (Rashad) Witherspoon; seven grandchildren, Zoie, Isaiah, Karter, Isley, Isla, Ivy Rose, and I'dris; seven sisters, Loddie Clark, Era Jean Ellis, Nancy Glenn, Shirley Harris, Essie R. (Lester) Barnes, Evelyn Ellis and Brenda D. Johnson; three brothers, Ivan D. Hudson, Leonard Ellis and Willie Clyde (Angie) Ellis; five sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the Ellis family to find solace from these words recorded in II Corinthians 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the monumental life of genuine individuals of Mrs. Ellis' caliber, whose life exemplified faith, love and service, and who touched the lives of all she encountered with her kindness and unwavering devotion to family and community:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss, commemorate the life, service and legacy of Mrs. Arella Rena Ellis, and express deepest sympathy to her family and friends upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mrs. Arella Rena Ellis and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.