Mrs. Arella Rena Ellis

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” II Timothy 4:7 Arella Rena Ellis (affectionately known as Rena) was born June 24, 1948, in Starkville, Mississippi to Thomas and Ella Ellis, who preceded her in death. She accepted Christ at an early age at Pine Grove M.B. Church. She later transferred her membership to Mt. Olivet M.B. Church. Rena graduated from B.L. Moor High School in Crawford. After graduating she relocated to Chicago, Illinois, and attended Jones Business College, South Shore Community College, and Lydia Adams Beauty College, where she received her degree in Cosmetology. In 1968, Rena and Tyrone were joined in holy matrimony in Chicago. In 1972, they moved back to Starkville where they became business owners, opening Wig Island and LaVilla Hair Care Salon. From 1998 to 2005, they owned and managed the Bread of Life Christian Bookstore in downtown Starkville. Rena loved her family, especially her two children and seven grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling to New York to catch an occasional Broadway play and she loved a good slice of cake or pie on occasion. She also found joy in serving as President of the Oktibbeha County Democratic Women and as a member of the Oktibbeha County School Board. From 1994 to 2021, Rena served as the First Lady of Running Water Baptist Church in Shuqualak, Mississippi, where, in addition to First Lady duties, she was Chair of Women for Christ Ministries. On the morning of Friday, March 14, 2025, at 6:30 a.m., the Lord called Rena to her Heavenly Home. Rena leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Tyrone Ellis; a son, Stephen T. Ellis of Starkville; a daughter, Stephanie R. (Rashad) Witherspoon of Starkville; 7 grandchildren - Zoie, Isaiah, Karter, Isley, Isla, Ivy Rose, and I’dris; 7 Sisters: Loddie Clark of Chicago, IL; Nancy Glenn of Atlanta, GA; Era Jean Ellis of Chicago, IL; Essie R. (Lester) Barnes of Milwaukee, WI; Shirley Harris of Atlanta, GA; Evelyn Ellis of Starkville, MS; and Brenda D. Johnson of Starkville, MS; 3 Brothers: Leonard Ellis of Columbus, MS; Willie Clyde (Angie) Ellis of Starkville, MS; and Ivan D. Hudson of Starkville, MS; 5 sisters-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Service will live-stream on Facebook Live at Mt Olivet MB Church

Tributes

Mrs. Arella Rena Ellis

June 24, 1948 - March 14, 2025