Gerold Jerome Ellison's Obituary
Gerald J. Ellison died on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 in Tulsa at age 79. He left the arms of his wife and went into the arms of God peacefully at 5:32 am following a short illness.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 48 years, Geraldine Ellison of Tulsa; brother Wayne Ellison and sister, Delores Steele, of the Bybee, Tennessee area; Goddaughters Elizabeth Guse of Houston, TX and Maureen Grizzle of Tulsa and numerous nieces and nephews. The seventh of nine children, Gerald was born on June 13, 1942 in Morristown Tennessee to parents Paul and Clyda Ellison. He was preceded in death by his parents, six of his siblings, and one nephew.
Gerald earned degrees from David Lipscomb University (BA) in Nashville, TN, Murray State University (MS) in Murray, KY, and Indiana State University (PhD) in Terre Haute, IN. An ordained minister in the Christian Church, he was also a counseling psychologist. Over the course of his career, he served as Pastor of Avondale Bible Church in Avondale, AZ, Director of the Christian Counseling Center at Central Christian Church in Mesa, AZ, Assistant Professor in the Christian Counseling Program of the Graduate School of Theology and Ministry, Oral Roberts University, and psychologist in the Mind-Body Medicine program of Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa, OK.
Gerald loved people, and he excelled in the art of listening. He was a counselor, teacher, encourager, and mentor to many. He expressed that he felt privileged to be a part of the growth process of those he counseled or taught. His strong faith in Jesus Christ guided his life and work. We who loved him rejoice in his life that was well-lived for Jesus.
The celebration of Gerald’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Bridge Church 7731 E. 119th Drive Bixby, OK 74008. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that any remembrances be made to The Bridge Church designated for the Haiti initiative or to Hope International Ministries 8086 S. Yale Avenue P.M.B 175 Tulsa, OK 74136 and designated for the Nyame Bekyere Christian School in Ghana, West Africa.
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