A TIME TO BE BORN: Abron Ellison, also known as “Big Daddy,” was born in Waynesboro, Georgia, on November 22, 1940, to the late Mr. James Howard Ellison and Mrs. Eva Mae Ellison.

 

A TIME TO LIVE: Abron was educated in the Burke County school system. He later moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with his older brother, Charlie. In 1958, Abron decided to leave Fort Lauderdale and head down south to Coconut Grove, Florida. Once he arrived in Coconut Grove, Abron decided to start his own transportation business, chauffeuring customers around town. One day while working, he laid sight on a beautiful young lady by the name of Lena Bell Elam. The two quickly fell in love and united in holy matrimony in 1959. To this union four children were born. Abron ultimately switched careers and started working for Miami Dade Solid Waste Department, where he retired after thirty-four dedicated years of service. He was a family man and loved spending time with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren. Abron and Lena’s home was known as a place one could stop by and receive welcoming arms, a good hot meal, great conversation, and Abron’s contagious smile! Abron also enjoyed fishing, scrapping, and listening to the Blues. He loved his wife’s cooking and she enjoyed providing him all of his favorite meals. This is something that Lena enjoyed doing from the day they married up until the day he left home due to his declining health. Lena would often be heard saying, “Abron took good care of me and the kids. We never had to borrow, beg or go without, so I’m going to take care of him like he took care of us.” Abron Lived, Loved, and Laughed! A journey fulfilled indeed!

 

A TIME TO SERVE: Abron was a dedicated deacon at St. John’s Freewill Baptist Church. Later, transferring his membership to Brown’s Chapel, where he was also a deacon.

 

A TIME TO DIE: Abron Ellison, at the age of eighty-four, entered eternal peace on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Villa Maria Nursing Center. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Eva Mae Ellison; and siblings, Howard Ellison, Lottie Woodbury, Floyd Ellison, Willie James Ellison, Charlie Ellison, Viola Ellison, Beulah Bynes, and Robert Ellison.

 

A TIME TO MOURN: Abron was survived by: his loving wife, Lena; one son, Jimmy Ellison; daughters, Patsy Williams (Lee), Patricia Metayer (Jean), and Shirley Ellison-Priestley (Richard); one brother, Curtis Ellison; grandchildren, James Sikes (Sabrina), Erica Williams, Cornelius Bembry, Shanedra Williams, Jason Bembry, Za’Kia Williams-Hayes (Lance), Tiffany Rozier, Amanda Forcer, Crystal Williams, Ma’tosh Priestley, and Jean Metayer; twenty-four great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; honorary sons, Richard Priestley, Lee Simmons, Laban West, and Lamar Gulley; fifteen godchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family, and close friends.