"To my dear aunt Helen, you were always an inspiration to me. You are a natural born leader and you did it with such grace and poise never one to boast. I remember as a little boy doing some difficult times and my childhood. I went to live with my aunt Helen and uncle Tom. They graciously welcomed me into their home and treated me with love dignity and respect. I never forgot this time I spent with you. And I'm grateful for you investing in me. You allowed the love of Christ to manifests through you. It is my deepest prayers that I pay the love and kindness you showed me forward. I'm truly blessed to know you as my aunts but I'm more grateful to know you as Helen Ellison Christ. Love you always and forever more!"
In loving memory of
Helen Ellison
May 21, 1946 - June 18, 2013
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to harvest. June 18, 2013 at 4am--this was the time when our beloved Dr. Helen Yearby Ellison transitioned from her earthen vessel to her glorified body prepared by the Lord's Christ.
Dr. Helen Yearby Ellison was born May 21, 1946 in Miami, Florida. She was the oldest of eight children born to the late Mr. Frank and Mrs. Jewel Yearby. She was fondly called "Mickey" by her family. While as a young girl, Helen relocated with her parents and siblings to West Park (Carver Ranches), Florida.
She was educated in the Broward County Public School System and graduated from Atticks High school in1964. The importance of education had been instilled in Helen at an early age. Not attending college was unimaginable. She received her undergraduate degree from Central State University and her Masters of Science in Higher Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Illinois.
Her career in Education spanned for more than forty years, having worked tirelessly in Student Affairs at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, and Florida International University, of Miami, Florida, where she retired as Associate Vice President of Student Affairs in 2011. During her tenure at FIU, she received her Doctorate of Education in Higher Education in 2002 and was also Director of the FIU College of Education Master's Program in Higher Education Administration, a program of which she was instrumental in developing.
Helen Ellison considered it a delight to serve in education. She was a mentor and friend to countless students, many of her colleagues, and others, who invariably described her as a kind-spirited leader, a quiet trail blazer. In the mid 90's, Dr. Deryl G. Hunt, mentor and spiritual leader to Dr. Helen Ellison, named an inclusive community building and mentoring model after her. "The Ellison Model," as it is called, fitly described Helen's character and her approach to relationship building--a disposition of caring, sharing, loving, trust, honor, and respect in service to others. Since that time, Dr. Helen Ellison and The Ellison Model has been the subject of five doctoral dissertations and a number of Master theses.
Outside the University, Dr. Ellison also dedicated numerous hours of service providing counseling and generous monetary support to underserved children in Cordele, Georgia. Recently, she founded the Community Outreach Foundation, Inc., a local non-profit organization focused primarily on the eradication of poverty among youth and their families. As Chairperson, she is remembered for her faithful service and diligence to help ensure quality of life opportunities for those less fortunate.
Helen was an active member of Church of Christ Apostolic nondenominational, where she served faithfully alongside her husband, Bishop Tom Ellison. Helen understood that the Church is without walls, and her desire was that all would come to know Jesus as the Christ, the eternal Spirit of God. Indeed, Helen's life in the earth is a true testimony of God's mercy, His love, His Wisdom, and His Power--a monument that will live on forever.
Among those who will cherish her memory are her beloved and devoted husband: Tom, two loving daughters: Tamyra (Alfonso 'Pete') and Treva, two beautiful granddaughters: Jordan and Micah; a loving mother, Mrs. Jewel Yearby, and five devoted sisters: Stephanie (James), Barbara, Martha, Gwendolyn (Tinsley), Francenia (Charles), and Franchesca, and one brother, Frank, Jr., two sisters-in-law: Betty and Mary; and brother-in-law, Irving. Aunts: Mary McDowell and Minnie Bell Reeves, Uncles: James Smith and Charlie Walton. Godchildren: Stephon and Joshua. Special friends, Lenita Epinger and Ozzie Ritchey-Palmer, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins too numerous to mention.
--
love is contraband in hell. we are a conspiracy. - assata shakur
Tributes
"She often said "I have overcome by the power of the Lord's Christ"."
"It's a "good" thing when one is able to meet someone who is not only willing to be a teacher but is also willing to be a learner; a charismatic smile would draw you in - but the love of God within in her would keep you there. The goodness of God (caring, sharing, loving, trust, honor, respect) was a gift she was always willing to share. Praise for Sabbath - His day of rest! TGBTG!"
"Like so many others, Helen was a considerable influence in my professional life. I am grateful for her gentle, yet persistent persuasion that brought me to FIU. As my supervisor, she led with a 'woman's voice," and made room for my growth and development. I am grateful, too, for our personal connection; we shared our family joys and pondered the wonders of life, love, and children. Helen was a blessing to many; and she will always be a part of my life story. "
"Soror Cici Battle. Words cant express how much meeting you has changed my life. From sharing stories of your pledging days, to sings songs together- our relationship was pivotal in my growth as a young woman. Without you- I would have never been a higher ed professiona- for that I am forever grateful. I love you."
"In memory of my very first niece, Helen (Mickey ) Ellison. We loved you from birth to now. I remember when your mom brought you home to Georgia at the age of two months. I remember how you & Martha spent many summer's with us their were a bond between us like that of sisters. You set an example for family members to follow may you rest in peace Aunt Mary & Uncle Oddibe "
"Helen is a thread which is woven into the tapestry of many lives. My life and story is no exception. Back in 1998 my path crossed Helen's and the rest, as they say- "is history".....she was transitioning into her role as AVP and inherited the Victim Advocacy Center of which I was a staff member. I was pursuing a Master's degree and she reached out to me and secured funding for my studies so that I could work less hours in my waitressing job...... Fast forward to almost a decade later in 2006.....Helen continued to identify opportunities for my personal and professional growth and "keep me in mind" for interesting and rewarding work which permitted me the privilege to give back to others. She asked me to consider a professional challenge and take a leadership role in the Disability Services Department at FIU. My life and work is in many ways a credit to her uncanny knack to find the best in people and make sure they stepped up their game to her full expectation of their potential. Many of my professional growth stories are indeed "Helen" stories and as such she is cherished, remembered, recollected, and deeply missed. "
"I first met Dr. Ellison in 2005 during my interview with Florida International University for potential graduate assistantships in the Higher Education program she oversaw. After interviewing with her, I knew FIU was the place I needed to be. Dr. Ellison was one of the primary reasons I decided to leave Connecticut and pursue my master's degree at FIU. She saw my potential and gave me an opportunity. For that, I am forever grateful. Because of her faith in me, her mentorship and guidance, I was able to complete my degree successful. She was my soundboard, my biggest supporter; she gave me an opportunity that would add purpose and direction, ultimately changing my life forever. I often referred to her as Momma Ellison and sometimes, I would go to her office to just to talk about my challenges and to seek her love and advice. She believed in me and she expressed that in her acts in her words. Dr. Ellison never asked for credit, she only asks that we gave our best and I am honored to have received her mentorship, guidance, love and support. Although my heart is saddened by her transition, I know I will see her again and as my career continues, as my children grow older, I will continue to tell the story on how Dr. Helen Ellison changed my world so that I can help change the world for others. Until we meet again, Kelvin Harris FIU Class of 2007"
"My career in student affairs is truly in honor of Dr. Helen Ellison. In grad school she helped me in ways that I will always be grateful for. I will feel successful if I impact even a fraction of the number of students and staff for whom she made a difference. She will never be forgotten in the hearts of all of these very lucky individuals, especially mine."
"Dr. Ellison was truly an awesome woman. About 10 years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Ellison and some staff members from FIU during a recruitment conference. After speaking with her and the staff for about an hour, I knew FIU was the place for me. Little did I know, my life would be changed forever by Dr. Ellison's leadership and guidance. Dr. Ellison was not only my role model, friend, and mentor, she was my sister in CHRIST. We often had conversations about the goodness of the LORD and how all things are possible with HIM. I'm a better person today because of her influence on my life. I'm truly humbled to have known such a remarkable woman. Although she's gone to be with the LORD, her "magic wand" philosophy will forever remain in my heart. I sincerely thank GOD for allowing our paths to cross. Love you Dr. E. "
"Dr. Ellison is the most amazing women I have ever met. She is so inspirational. I am devastated by this most recent event. Dr. Ellison came into my life when I was interested in coming to FIU, she reassured me that I would be able to get into the program, and reassured me that I would be able to get a GAship. I would always go in her office to visit and she was just a pleasure to talk with, she was an amazing women, so strong in her faith. I loved her as if she was my own mother, she impacted me in so many ways and made me believe in myself. I appreciate her for all that she is done and I know she is watching down on me and the others she has impacted, and encouraging us to share her legacy, and pass on what she gave to so many. I love you Dr. Ellison and will miss you dearly. "