Mildred Ellison

Mildred Denise Whitmore Ellison, mother, grandmother, and sister, was born the youngest of three daughters to Floyd and Ella Mae Whitmore on February 11, 1951, in Norfolk, VA and departed this life in Washington, D.C., on December 20, 2024. Mildred Denise grew up with a passion for learning and education that was fostered by her mother and aunt. She was extremely bright, witty, a level-headed thinker, a beautiful writer, gentle-natured, and introverted. As an example of her youthful intelligence and resourcefulness, tempered by self-awareness and self-determination, Mildred participated in the Norfolk Public Schools Citywide Spelling Bee. She had to catch the bus to participate, and—even though she knew the championship-winning word—Mildred Denise purposely misspelled the word to let another participant win. She later revealed that she did not want the attention of being known as the “smartest” person in Norfolk. Mildred Denise was recognized in the 1967-1968 edition of Merit’s Who’s Who Among American High School Students. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk as the Class of 1968’s salutatorian. Upon completing high school, Mildred Denise won a 4-year scholarship to Barnard College, a women’s college in New York affiliated with Columbia University. While at Barnard, Mildred Denise was one of twelve American girls who went to Mexico for a month to practice Spanish. As a foreign exchange student, Mildred Denise lived with a family in Mexico and was featured in an article in the Sol de Irapuato (Sun of Irapuato) newspaper on Saturday, July 13, 1968. Mildred Denise was a part of the Barnard Organization of Soul Sisters (“BOSS”), an organization that celebrated its 50th anniversary at Barnard in 2019, and took an active part in writing and editing missives that outlined the organization’s ideology, grievances, and requests. Being part of BOSS enabled Mildred to fight against social injustices that occurred on campus. After a couple of years at Barnard College, Mildred Denise wanted to return home to attend Norfolk State University. She graduated from Norfolk State University in 1974, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. In 1977, Mildred Denise earned a Master of Arts in Romance Languages from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Shortly after graduating from Howard University, Mildred Denise started working at the Department of Employment Services (“DOES”) as a claims examiner in 1977. She met and married Samuel Ellison while working at DOES. During her time at DOES, Mildred Denise was recognized for excellent work, skills, and aptitude via certificates of commendation, service awards, and promotions. Mildred Denise spoke Spanish and French. She often used Spanish in her positions at DOES. In 2009, Mildred Denise retired after 32 years of service in the D.C. Government. On October 16, 1982, Mildred Denise gave birth to her only child, Jade Samantha Ellison. Mildred Denise was heavily involved in her daughter’s life. She was often seen socializing with swim team parents during Jade’s time at the pool. Mildred Denise was actively engaged in Jade’s education at St. Benedict the Moore School and Bishop McNamara High School. She often made impromptu visits to the school, frequently volunteered as a Spanish substitute teacher, and was an active Parent Teacher Organization member. Mildred Denise made it a point to know all of Jade’s teachers to keep a pulse on Jade’s academic progress. Mildred Denise was brilliant. Her brilliance expressed itself in a multitude of ways. She was an avid reader who loved authors like Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes. She had an incredible memory, was well versed in several subject matter areas, and knew lots of trivia facts. One of Mildred Denise’s favorite television shows was Jeopardy. While she was a lover of books, Mildred Denise especially enjoyed cookbooks because she loved experimenting with new recipes. A unique part of her brilliance is that it was unassuming and was not always apparent. Mildred Denise loved having conversations with people whose intellect engaged her own, and she loved a good argument. Often when Mildred Denise entered a room, she would quietly observe until asked a question, and then her brilliance became clear during the discourse. She savored thinking outside of the box and would share creative advice with others. Mildred Denise was also known as the family historian. She knew where everyone in the family fit chronologically and could share in detail and with specificity, not only what happened during a given incident, but also the year events occurred and the surrounding details. Mildred Denise united with Spirit of Peace under the pastorate of the Reverend Ronald K. Austin on October 3, 2004, and was baptized on November 30, 2004. Mildred Denise served faithfully and dutifully as a member of the Voices of Peace Choir. Her high soprano voice captivated everyone in hearing range. Mildred Denise was a Missionary, a member of the “Keenagers” (the Seniors Ministry). Mildred Denise was a faithful church member of Spirit of Peace Baptist Church over the years and utilized her meticulousness with numbers and facts in the trustee training program. She was a stickler for integrity and operating with a spirit of excellence. She believed and practiced doing whatever she was asked and in a timely manner. Mildred Denise was a valued member of the Model Cities Senior Wellness Center, where she actively participated in various activities. She was an enthusiastic member of the choir, sharing her love for music with others, and she regularly took part in brain games, always eager to engage her mind and stay mentally sharp. Mildred Denise’s greatest joy in life was her family, and there was nothing she loved more than spending time with her grandchildren. Whether it was reading them stories, enjoying outdoor activities together, or simply sharing in the laughter and love that filled their time together, Mildred Denise was a constant source of comfort, guidance, and affection. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she always made time to ensure they knew how deeply they were loved. Her family remembers her not only for her selfless devotion but also for her unwavering ability to make moments spent together feel special. Mildred Denise’s nurturing spirit, warm smile, and gentle heart left an unforgettable mark on her grandchildren, who will forever cherish the memories she created with them. Mildred Denise’s love for her daughter, grandchildren, and extended family was matched only by her kindness and compassion for others. She was always ready with a listening ear, a helping hand, and words of wisdom. Her generosity and love knew no bounds, and she will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Mildred Denise is survived by her daughter, Jade E. Jones (Jerrel); her beloved grandchildren, Janiah, Jayla, Jordan, and Joshua; her sisters, Emma Elaine Little and Sharon Lee Hill; and many other loving family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ella Mae Whitmore, and father, Floyd Whitmore.

Mildred Ellison

February 11, 1951 - December 20, 2024