Deacon Charles Milford Ellis Memorial

Homegoing
Celebration

In Loving Memory Of

Deacon
Charles Milford Ellis

June 2, 1939 ~ July 3, 2022

New Direction C.O.G.I.C
276 E. 9th Street.Upland, California 91786
Bishop Raymond E. Watts, Senior Pastor

Order Of Service

Saturday, July 30, 2022 | 10:00 am
New Direction Church of God in Christ

276 E. 9th St. Upland, Ca 91786
Elder Robert Young, Officiant

PROCESSIONAL | FAMILY
Prayer | Elder Daniel Chapman
Scripture Reading | Adrienne Griffith
Old Testament: Psalms 23: 1-6
Scripture Reading | Mary Jackson – Freeny
New Testament: John 14: 1-6
Music | New Direction Mighty Men of Valor

Acknowledgments
New Direction Deacons Board |Deacon Randy Isaac
New Direction Sunday School | Evangelist Sandra Crawford
New Direction Choir | Evangelist Glenda Lawrence

Resolutions | Dr. Bobbie Wilson
Obituary | Evangelist Glenda Lawrence

Music | New Direction Mass Choir
Remarks from Family & Friends (Please Limit to 3 minutes)

Eulogy | Bishop Raymond E. Watts
Final Viewing -Song “Walk Around Heaven” Mighty Clouds Of Joy

RECESSIONAL | FAMILY

The Journey of Charles Milford Ellis

Charles Milford Ellis was born on June 2, 1939, in Topeka, Kansas to parents Milford Ellis Sr. and Edith
Clarence Ellis. He was the only child born to this union.
The family moved to Los Angeles, California when Charles was a young child. He attended Fremont
High School and graduated in 1957. He was a motivated young man that believed in education and
overcoming obstacles. He furthered his education at the University of Southern California where he
pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in
1974. While at USC, he performed in musicals, drama presentations, and sang with the Young Saints, a
well-known gospel group of Los Angeles.
Charles was employed by the Los Angeles Dept. of Social Services. He eventually sought other
opportunities that would allow him to work with challenged youth, so he answered the call to serve with
the Los Angeles County Probation Department in 1968. This position was indeed his calling. Charles’
outgoing personality and great communication skills were recognized by the Probation Department as
tools needed to be successful within the department and for working with clients. He initially worked
with Juvenile Hall and was subsequently promoted to the field as a Deputy Probation, Officer II of Adult
Probation Services. He also volunteered to work in the courtrooms as a liaison between LA County
Superior Court and the Probation Department. He remained with the Department, until his retirement
in 2003. He retired with honors; decorated by the Probation Department for being a positive role model
for his clients and going beyond the call of duty to advocate for and ensure the success of his clients.
Charles was a devoted and active member of the former Gethsemane, now New Direction COGIC from
1990, until his passing. Charles was affectionately known as “Deac,” and was faithful with affairs of the
church; joyfully in service to New Direction COGIC and its pastor, Bishop Raymond Watts. Charles was
a dedicated member of the Deacon Board and the Board of Directors, performing the many important
duties that were requested of him. Charles never said “NO.” He was also a dependable and valuable
member of several of the church choirs which included: New Direction Praise Team, Sanctuary Choir, and
the Mighty Men of Valor. Over the years, he performed in countless drama and musical presentations
at church. Deacon Ellis served as a Sunday school teacher, a Prayer Warrior, and major supporter of his
church. Up until his recent illness, Deacon Ellis lovingly served his church in all ways possible, for his
utmost delight was being in service to God.
Charles was indeed a very loving and caring gentleman: supportive husband, father, and grandfather.
He was a classy dresser – whether in suit and tie or tracksuit and cap. Charles beamed with charisma,
navigating life with prayer, a positive attitude, and a big heart; constantly cheerful with kind words for
others and never turning down those in need. Throughout his life he enjoyed music, drama, acting,
and the world of the theatrical arts, performing in community artistic projects as well as city-wide
presentations. Above all – Charles loved the Word of God and God’s people.
On July 3, 2022, the Lord called His son, Charles, Home. Preceding him in death are his parents, Milford
and Edith; siblings Wilton Wiley Wynn, Jr, Emma Marie Calais-Smith, and first wife, Evelyn Anita Gentry.
Charles leaves to mourn his passing: his devoted and faithful wife of 40 years, Cynthia Ellis; his caring and
loving children Laura Elaine Ellis, son-in-law Michael Dabney, Denise Laverne Lathon, Charles Michael
Ellis, and daughter-in-law Jessica Ellis. Charles was a proud grandfather of his eight grandchildren:
Jordon Ellis Dabney, Joshua Lathon, David Lathon, Karyn Lathon, Isaiah Ellis, Axel Ellis, Mercy Ellis, and
Genesis Ellis.
Left to cherish his memories: his siblings, Willie Eugene Ellis, Milford Ellis, Jr., Laverne Ellis-Baker,
Jerome Ellis, and Walter Ellis; his sisters-in-law, Pat Ellis, Alma L. Wynn, and Tracy Ellis; niece, Lisa
Ellis; nephews Warren Wynn, Westly F. Wynn and their families; cousins, Clyde and Bruce McQueen,
Donna Harrell – Ward, Carla Sneed, Tracy E. Sapenter; devoted friends, Elvin Murray, Martha Kemp,
and Suzanne Hudson. Charles Milford Ellis leaves a host of family and friends that will continue to love
and miss him.

INTERMENT
Oakdale Mortuary & Memorial Park
1401 S. Grand Ave, Glendora, CA 91740

ACTIVE PALLBEARERS
Theodis Reed, Ronald Welcome, Stephen Cadogan,

John Richards Jr., Dale Adams, Howard Meade

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Charles Michael Ellis, Milford Ellis Jr, William Ellis,

Jerome Ellis, Wilton Wiley Wynn Jr.
Jordon Ellis Dabney, Joshua Lathon, David Lathon,

Isaiah Ellis, Warren Wynn, Wesley F. Wynn