Jessie Lee Ellis, of Rockford departed this earthly life  December 29, 2024. She was born April 3, 1932 in Vance, Mississippi the daughter of Mattie Nelson and Luther Tennin, being adopted and raised, at a young age by Willie Simmons. Jessie lived in Rockford since 1950 coming from Chicago. She married Rob Ellis, August 17, 1957, he preceded her in death. Jessie was employed as a Activity Director by Brightside Adult Day Care several years before retiring. She was a member of Greater New Hope Baptist Church serving as a usher, in the choir, Sunday school teacher, with the kitchen committee and last serving on the Mothers Board. Jessie served as 1st Lady of Starlight MB Church for 45 years. She was a member of the Ministers Wives Fellowship. Jessie attended Schools in Mississippi, later to receiver her G.E.D. from Rock Valley College, where she also receive her Certification in Activity Director.

Jessie leaves to cherish many loving memories, two sons, Robert and Marcus Ellis; four daughters, Kattie Starnes, Deleser Owens, Pamela Ellis and Millie Brown; 32 grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; two sisters, Wanda Simmons and Clottie (Glen) Washington; brothers, Tommy Simmons, Wardell Simmons, George Simmons, Odell Simmons and George Tenner; a host of nieces, nephews cousins other relatives and friends including her sisters in law Alice Mae Ellis and Novella Lawson. She was predeceased by her parents, Mattie and Willie Simmons  and Luther Tennin; husband Rev. Rob Ellis; three sons, Charles Ellis, Johnnie Ellis and Amos Ellis; grandson, Corey Russey; seven sisters, Alice Joiner, Atlener Morris, Loubirda Leavy, Mattie Pearl Sowell, Dorothy Givens and Ernestine Matlock; five brothers, Sam Simmons Sr., Willie Simmons Jr., J.C. Simmons, M.C. Simmons and Jimmy Simmons.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 10, 2025 at Greater New Hope Baptist Church 4615 Auburn Street. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc.