Mrs. Gladys Dorothy Kelly Ellison was born on August 3, 1932, in Blythewood, S.C., the eighth child to Wade and Estell Ernestine Kelly. She gained her wings on October 7th, 2021.
Gladys was educated in the public school system of Richland County and graduated from Hanberry Bethel High School. While attending she was an honor student and valedictorian of her high school graduating class. She was awarded a college scholarship.
Gladys and Isaiah met while attending church services and married in June 1955. A year later they became the proud parents of their first child and later had six sons. She was employed as a seamstress for numerous years. Gladys was also active as a church member, wife, mother, and friend to all. She was a Deaconess, missionary president, usher union secretary, Sunday school teacher, drama team member as well as a senior choir member. Early in life she joined Round Top Baptist Church until her membership to Little Zion Baptist Church to present.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Wade and Estell Ernestine Kelly; four brothers, David Kelly, Allen Kelly, Ray Kelly, George Kelly, and Wade Kelly, Jr.; four sisters, Verdell Washington, Thelma Starksford, Bennie Cook, and Eula Ruff.
Gladys is survived by her husband, Isaiah Ellison; five children, Doris Annette Ellison-Smith (Russell), Stanley (the late Susie Mae), Bernard (Marian) Tracy, Ronald, Victor (Maria) and Darnell; two brothers, Nathaniel & Ray; one sister, Marion; six grandchildren, Bernard II, Blythe, Taylor, Amanda, Kelly and Trenton; four great grandchildren, Alexander, Miyah, Brianna, Berkelie; special friends & former daughter in-law, Susan Sloan Ellison, and a host of relatives and friends who will cherish her fond and loving memories.
Gladys loved spending her most recent years in retirement with her beloved husband Isaiah, their children, and her grandchildren. Her hobbies were gardening, cooking, sewing, knitting, and shopping. She also enjoyed cooking, baking bread and sweet treats and smoothies.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Gladys Dorothy (Kelly) Ellison, please visit our floral store.