Theresa B. Ellis

Born Theresa Burrough Johnson on August 31, 1933, in Birmingham, AL to Ike and Fontella Johnson as the fifth child born to their union. Raised in Birmingham alongside her siblings, Theresa attended Parker High School, graduating in 1951, where she was voted “Most Beautiful Girl” by her classmates — a reflection not only of her outward beauty, but of the grace and presence that would follow her throughout her life.

During her brother Ike Jr.'s service in the U.S. Navy, he became acquainted with a young man from a large farming family in East Texas named Earl Ellis. Believing Theresa would be the perfect woman for him, Ike encouraged the connection. Theresa and her beloved mother, whom she affectionately called “Madea,” traveled from Birmingham to San Diego to meet Earl. What began as an introduction soon blossomed into a lifelong love story.

On June 21, 1952, Theresa married Earl Ellis. From this loving union, they welcomed seven children: Pamela, Diana, Marquis, Earl II, Jennifer, Craig, and Lorri.

In 1962, the family settled in Emerald Hills, where Theresa became a pillar of both her family and community. Whether during Earl’s naval deployments or after his retirement from the Navy, Theresa devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her children and, later, her grandchildren. She led her family with unconditional love, unwavering strength, firm discipline, and deep faith.

Known lovingly as “Mother” and “Sister Theresa Ellis,” her faith remained the foundation of her life. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Stephen’s Church of God and later Chapel of Deliverance. Though primarily a homemaker, Theresa also worked briefly at St. Stephen’s Daycare and with the San Diego Chargers. 

In 1976, Theresa welcomed her first grandchild —a grandson. Over the next two decades, she would remarkably welcome 13 grandsons before finally welcoming her first granddaughter in 1998. Friends and neighbors would often jokingly ask, “Reese, how do you have nothing but boys?” Theresa simply embraced each child as a blessing from God.

As the matriarch of her family, Theresa played a vital role in raising not only her grandchildren, but also extended family members. Her home was a place of refuge, celebration, guidance, and love. She ensured holidays were celebrated together, family remained close, and no one went without the essentials they needed. She was extremely protective of her loved ones. Loving and nurturing by nature, Theresa was also known for speaking her mind when she believed wisdom or correction was necessary.

Her compassion extended far beyond her family. Theresa served as a foster mother to countless children over the decades, changing numerous lives through her care and generosity. She became a respected and beloved fixture throughout Emerald Hills and beyond, known for welcoming neighbors, friends, and loved ones into her home at a moment’s notice.

After the passing of her beloved husband Earl in July 2005 following 53 years of marriage, Theresa continued on with plans to relocate to the Atlanta, GA area city of Fairburn. There, she once again built a loving community and continued to live a life rooted in faith and fellowship. Theresa found spiritual community and comfort at Love Fellowship Church.

On May 21, 2026, the Lord called Sister Theresa Ellis home.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Earl Ellis; daughter, Pamela Ellis; grandsons, Jeremy Hogan and Alex Ellis; parents, Ike and Fontella Johnson; and siblings, Paul Johnson, Estella Allman, Lillian Brown, Ike Johnson Jr., Elton Johnson, and Tom Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her children: Diana Joseph, Marquis Ellis, Earl (Anna) Ellis II, Jennifer Ellis-Thompson, Craig Ellis, and Lorri Jones; grandchildren: Presley Johnson, Byron Joseph, Gregory Joseph, Earl Ellis III, Jordan Hogan, Alfonse Anderson, Jerron Blackwell, Craig 'Tyler' Ellis, Cameron Ellis, Alexander Anderson, Lonnie Hinton, and Loren Hinton; along with a host of great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, extended family members, church family, neighbors, and dear friends who loved and adored her.

Theresa Ellis leaves behind a legacy of motherhood, faith, strength, sacrifice, service, and unconditional love that will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

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