Mr. Ellis Jewel Hooker

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." - II Timothy 4:7 On January 6, 1952, Ellis Jewell Hooker was welcomed into this world by his father, C. L. Hooker, and his mother, Ardella Newton Hooker in Prentiss, Mississippi. He was the twelfth of thirteen children. At an early age, Ellis accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized in the outside pool of Green Grove Baptist Church in Prentiss. He graduated from J.E. Johnson High School, and upon graduation, Ellis relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Once in Milwaukee, in 1970, Ellis furthered his education at the Milwaukee Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he earned degrees in Business Management. Later, Ellis became interested in real estate and earned his real estate certification from Bryant and Stratton College. Ellis was a smart man, and once he met Patricia Strozier Bey, he knew she was "the one". They married on November 18, 1972. Because Patricia had been a member of Canaan Baptist Church all her life, Ellis transferred his membership from Mt. Zion Baptist Church to Canaan so that they could worship together as a family. When Ellis joined Canaan Baptist Church, he did not become a pew member, but an active member, ready to be of service wherever he was needed. Ministries in which he served include: Deacon's Ministry, Finance Committee, Male Chorus, Picnic Committee, Men's Ministry, and By-Law Committee. Ellis was also a leader, serving as the Adult Department Sunday School Superintendent, Annual Men's Day Committee Chairperson, and Chairperson of the Pulpit Committee. Ellis was a retired employee of Columbia St. Mary's Hospital, currently known as Ascension. He served in many roles, starting as a Waste Compliance Coordinator/Manager in 1996. The company saw Ellis as a valuable asset and promoted him to Corporate Safety Director. He made sure that CSM was compliant with the Joint Commission and EOC Management plans. As the CSM Safety Director, Ellis kept a watchful eye to ensure that everyone who visited and worked at CSM was safe. He retired in 2014, after 18 years of service. In his spare time, Ellis enjoyed grilling, reading, cooking (a little), talking (a lot), fishing, and watching sports. For a period of time, Ellis was president of L. S. Transportation, his own company. When illness had taken over his body, he never became bitter, but held on to his faith. One of his favorite scriptures can be found in Job 13:15a: "Though he slay me, yet willi trust Him". He also always acknowledged that this world was not his home, and he was ready when God called him to his heavenly home on July 25, 2023. He was preceded in death by his: parents, C. L. Hooker and Ardella Hooker Armstrong; brothers, Jethroe Hooker, A. C. Hooker, James E. Hooker, Rev. Johnnie C. Hooker, Curtis Hooker, and Joe N. Hooker; and sisters, Jessie R. Hawthorne, Louise Atkins, Gwendella Ree.-J, and Maxie J. Hooker. Fond memories of Ellis will be forever treasured and held by: his loving wife, Patricia Hooker; sister, Frances Rudd; brother, Jimmie (Carolyn) Hooker; mother-in-law, Louise A. Mormon; brother-in-law, Jeffery Strozier Bey; aunt, Geneva Ross; special nieces and nephews: Rashadd D. Miller, Hassan R. Miller, Amani Miller, Rashadd J. Miller, Jaylen D. Miller, Erin and Anthony Washington, Naydia Hooker, Nicholes Gray, and Raevonne Newsome; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many, many friends. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way." Psalm 37:23 KJV

Mr. Ellis Jewel Hooker

January 6, 1952 - July 25, 2023