Jacob T. Ellzey, Sr.

Calling hours (10 people at a time) Friday, May 8, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Chapel of White's Funeral and Cremation Services.

Elder Jacob T. Ellzey, Sr.

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Psalms 119:18

On Thursday, April 30, 2020, Elder Jacob Timothy Ellzey, Sr., loving father of four children, passed away at age 86 at Heartland of Dublin in Dublin, Ohio.

Elder Ellzey, the sixth of fourteen children, was born on February 11, 1934 in Tylertown, MS, to James and Josie Ellzey. He was baptized at the tender age of seven. Shortly thereafter, he was called to the ministry to preach. At the age of 14, and while under the leadership of Mother Charity Wafer of Bethlehem Temple of the P.A.W., in Mound Bayou, MS, Elder Ellzey received the gift of the Holy Ghost. It would only be a few months later that he would preach his trial sermon.

Even as a young boy, Elder Ellzey engaged in pastoral work together with his brothers and sisters. He was always passionate about the well-being of others. After graduating from high school, he even served in the medical division of the United States Army. After his discharge, he enrolled in the Manhattan Bible Institute where he received a Bachelor of Theology degree, with a concentration in Eschatology—which is the Doctrine of the Last Days. In 1980, Elder Ellzey completed graduate school at Iona College with a double major. He received a Master of Education and a Master of Pastoral Counseling and Teaching. In 1983, he began doctorate level coursework in Psychology, with a concentration in Family Therapy.

While residing in New York, Elder Ellzey served as deacon and elder at Holy Light House Church in New Rochelle, NY under the leadership of Pastor Rowena Hawkes and went on to become the pastor of Holy Lighthouse Church, serving faithfully for eight years. He moved to North Port, Florida, and attended Fellowship of Believers Church under the leadership of Pastor Don Lafner. There he served as an elder, teacher, preacher, and counselor. Elder Ellzey relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 2013 to be near his son and family. While there, he attended New Covenant Believers’ Church, under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Howard Tillman.

Elder Ellzey’s highest and greatest accomplishment, more than any title that would follow his name, was that of a proud and dedicated father of four musically gifted children. He doted over his children and gave them all the riches money could not buy. However, as “Papa”, the sky was the limit for his grand and great-grandchildren. He embraced every moment with them, gathering them from house to house for weekday church and weekend excursions at his house or time spent in his favorite chair watching episode after episode of Family Feud. Unbridled, he would spoil them to “life”. He had a vivacious personality and always made people around him laugh and smile. His jokes were “corny”, but his heart was “meaty”.  He attracted people everywhere he went.

Elder Ellzey married his beloved, the late Ida Ray Ellzey, on September 15, 1956 and was widowed in 1994. He was also predeceased by his baby daughter Pamela Ellzey, grand-baby Breanna Lee Ellzey, and nine brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his four children Jacob Timothy (Debora) Ellzey, Jr. (aka “Bluchie”), Donna Maria (Dexter) Benjamin, Elunda Claudia (Tyrone) Morrison, and Stephanie Ellzey (aka “Ma”); twelve grandchildren David T. McLean II (aka “Poochie”), Jacob T. (Ariauna) Ellzey, III (aka “Trey”), Jitaya Elunda McLean, Omari Jibri Benjamin, Charity Rae (Kai) Binford, Zaire Maliaka Benjamin, Jamon Anthony Buie, Jelani Malachi Benjamin, Imani Mikyla Benjamin, Tylah Rayann Morrison, and Destiny Breanna Ellzey; five great-grandchildren, Jahrese Makai Randall, Olivia Noelle Ellzey, Breanna Renee Ellzey, Jayden Joseph Ellzey, and Julian Alexander Ellzey; two sisters Georgia Lee (Frank) Armstrong and Jessie Mae (Robert) Fisher; two brothers, William Ellzey and Marvin Ellzey, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Elder Ellzey’s favorite scripture was Psalms 119:18—Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. As a minister and teacher, the combination of his love of God’s Word along with his life experiences made his life-long journey exceptionally unique and impactful. As a friend and brother-in-Christ, every thought of him will always warm the hearts of those who fellowshipped with him. As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, his very essence will forever impact those lives for generations and generations to come. His presence will be greatly missed by all those who love him, but he is now in the presence of the greatest love of all – Jesus.

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