Ethel Lee Ellis Lake

Ethel Lee Ellis Lake entered this world on March 4, 1928, in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. She was the third of eight children born to the union of Pellum Ellis, Sr. and Estella Evans Ellis. She attended Zion Franklin School in Oktibbeha County. Mother Lake attended Mt. Olive M.B. Church where she accepted Christ at an early age. She became a member of Bel-Aire Park Missionary Baptist Church in Markham, Illinois in 1971, under the leadership of Rev. Sylvester Coleman, who preceded her in death, and continued to serve under the leadership of the current pastor, Rev. Michael Lindsey. She faithfully served as a member of the Usher Board, Missionary Board and the Mothers Board until her health prevented it. She loved her church and remained faithful until the end. She married Sammie Reives, George Davis and Anderson Lake, Jr., who all preceded her in death. From these unions seven children were born. Mother Lake relocated to Chicago, Illinois in 1953 during the Great Migration, and began employment at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in downtown Chicago. She started at Zenith Automatic Controls in 1954 and remained in its employ until she retired in 1993. After retirement, she worked at both the Markham and Phoenix Senior Centers. Mother Lake was active in her community and was a member of The Red Hat Society and participated in the Heather Drive Block Club, located in Markham, Country Aire, Illinois. She loved her family, Gospel music, good food and traveling, especially to her beloved Mississippi. She leaves to cherish her memory a brother, Eluster (Ethel) Ellis, Chicago, IL, and a sister, Marva (Willie, preceded in death) Brown, Starkville, MS; Seven children: Melva (Willie, preceded in death) Edwards, Harvey IL; Tyrone (Arella Renee) Ellis, Starkville, MS; Stella Louise (Henry) Johnson, Ecru, MS; Yolanda Davis (preceded in death); Evelyn Reed, Jackson, MS; Kathleen Smith, Jackson, MS; Angela Y. Lake, Markham, IL; and Pamela Little, Chicago, IL; Ten Grandchildren, one preceded in death (Jacqueline); Eighteen Great Grandchildren; and Eleven Great-Great Grandchildren. She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual sons and daughters, and one special Goddaughter, Shirley Perry, Atlanta, GA; and a host of friends and loved ones.

Tributes

Ethel Lee Ellis Lake

March 4, 1928 - March 22, 2024