Mrs. Alicia Babette Ellis

Alicia Babette Hudson Ellis, affectionately known as "Gran/Shug", was born January 9, 1955 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the union of Octavius and Lizzie Ella Hudson. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, and two siblings, Yvonne (Hudson) Ware and Elaine (Hudson) Greene. After the death of her mother, Alicia moved to Dyersburg, TN to live with her grandparents Odell and Betty Hudson. Following the death of her grandmother Betty, Alicia went to live with her sister, Elaine, in Federalsburg, MD. There she graduated from Colonel Richardson High School in 1973. In 1981 Alicia was united in holy matrimony to Ricky E. Russell Sr. This union was blessed with children Alicia II and Ricky II. Upon her return to Milwaukee, she worked at several jobs before finding her passion and following her calling for community outreach service. She devoted her life to serving God, family and neighbors, touching the lives of many on her journey. In 2001, Alicia started two new legs of that journey: she began her work at Central City Churches Inc. in April and married Lewis C. Ellis on No- vember 30th. Alicia served as Program Director of the Central City Churches Outreach Minis- try for the last 13 years. Under her caring leadership, the CCC OM grew to be- come the neighborhood gathering center that it is today. Her most special con- tributions included her regular reminders that the CCC OM was first and fore- most a ministry of the church, and her assertion that people be received just as they are and treated with respect. Early on she chose to call the people who come to the CCC OM "neighbors" rather than "clients". She developed a group of dedicated volunteers. She touched thousands of lives. Alicia Babette Hudson Ellis departed this life on December 10,2014. She leaves to cherish her memory Lewis C. Ellis, husband; Alicia B. Russell-Shaw (Adrian), daughter; Ricky E. Russell II, son; Brooklynn, Quentin and Blair, grandchildren; Kristi Russell, Michelle Russell, Edward Russell, and Alisha Ellis, stepchildren; Barbara Ann Hudson, Smith O. (Mary Jo) Hudson, Norma J. Hud- son, Sandra G. (Michael) Hearn, Lassie B (Mildred) Hudson, Leon (Rosie) Hud- son, Michael Hudson, Odell Hudson and Kenyatta Laster-Scott, siblings; and a host of nieces and nephews and dear friends and neighbors.

Mrs. Alicia Babette Ellis

January 9, 1955 - December 10, 2014