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This memorial website was created in the memory my precious son,
DARRELL L. ELLIS, SR.,
born January 22, 1957, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Darrell passed away on July 16, 2001. (a discrepancy of the exact year of his death is shown on the grave marker: which is to be corrected the precise date is 2001 )
My heart was broken the morning his sister, Rhonda, informed me, Darrell, my youngest son, had passed in his sleep. I thought "OH NO, NOT AGAIN" Darrell's father passed away at the very young age of 30 years; when Darrell was very young. I've endured many hurts in my life but none like the loss of my child! Always, I was very protective of my children but this time I was unable to be with him or comfort him when he took his final breath; I simply could not bear to watch my son's body placed into the cold ground; although, I knew his spirit was not in his body but home with the Lord.
Darrell suffered severely for 15 years after being hit by a speeding truck. His sister and myself nursed him through many, many, very painful situations. Darrell was always a very private individual; he did not want anyone to know about his condition. Following the truck incident most of his memory was lost, especially of his childhood; nevertheless, he battled to regain his memory and independence. He returned to trade school for electronics where he graduated on the deans list. However, after his injury, Darrell was never quite the same person that his siblings and myself knew him to be as he was growing up.
He enjoyed various types of music; gospel; jazz, classical, as well as other types. Some of his favorite artist were Kenny G.; George Benson; Earth Wind and Fire; and Stevie Wonder. His favorite selection by Stevie Wonder was "Ribbons In The Sky". Darrell was an avid reader; daily he studied the bible. He enjoyed drawing, writing poetry; writing in general was a favorite pass time for himself. As a child he was always extremely interested in electronics. In his early teens he installed speakers into my new Magnovox stereo (while I was at work and, without my knowledge or permission). He was basically a quiet man, friendly, inquisitive, and very determined. I loved his beautiful smile; and, his very tender heart; he was always willing to help others. I enjoyed listening as he, his brother and sister were growing up; always they played games, joked, matched wits and laughed together. Darrell loved and cherished his family and was very protective of his two precious children. Darrell was honest, trustworthy, and very selective when forming friendships. He was a moral man who dearly reverenced and loved God. He is and always will be alive in our hearts and we are at peace knowing he is at home with our Lord. |
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Daily I think and speak of you /
Nedra Marie Thompson-Ellis
(MOTHER)
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I thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new,
I thought about you yesterday,
And the days before that, too.
I think of you in silence
I often speak your name.
Now all I have are memories,
And your picture in many frames
Your memory is my keepsake,
With which I'll never part
God has you in His keeping
I have you in my heart. |
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We'll never forget! /
The Family of the late Darrell
(Mother, Brother, Sister)
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| Darrell, we shall never forget how happy and proud you were the day your baby daughter, Cierra Trina Ellis, was born how you thanked your wife and loaded her hospital room with flowers and balloons. Then when your son, Darrell Lynn, Jr. was born, although, you were very tired that day you were elated! As far as a father goes, you were a genuine father and daddy! It was not unusual to see you walking, pushing a stroller, and carrying a diaper bag on your shoulder. Nor was it unusual that you diapered, bathed, made formula etc. All who knew you could attest that you loved your children dearly. You even came to Rhonda to have her teach you how to plait your little girls hair so that you could comb her hair. In addition, when Cierra aka "Baby Doll" was born you even enrolled in night school to take up sewing in order that you could make her clothes. You made a georgeous outfit for her - a precious little white dress, slip and hat and did she look adorable and I remember the bathrobe that you made for her. You not only cut you own hair but you were also the barber for you precious son, Darrell. You took them to school, helped them with their school work, attended their programs at school, and at the Annenberg Center where Cierra had a ballet recital, and always you took them to church for choir rehearsal and always took your camcorder each time in order to video the programs. We were at the graduation exercises when Cierra graduated from elementary school; you made a video of the entire graduation exercise. Although, we never dreamed this would be the last video you'd make. You were a terrific father and daddy. Your precious children miss you terribly and, I'm sure those neighbors whom you helped take groceries into their house and shoveled their snow miss you as well; as do each of us. We'll alway love your memory and never ever forget our Darrell. |
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LITTLE DID I KNOW /
Nedra Ellis
(mother)
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July 4, 2001 - As always, Rhonda had a barbecue at her home; usually we were all together on holidays having lots of fun. Darrell, his wife and children, siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins laughed and joked thoughout the day. We sat on the patio watching his children and little nieces and nephews as they played. Later, Darrell began thanking me for all the things I'd done for him throughout the years, expressing regrets for things that he had done or did not do; little did I know or even realize he was saying good-bye. He looked very good; his skin seem to be glowing, and I told him so. I should have gotten a clue because his dad also gave me the same talk a few days before his death and he too seemed to have a glow about himself the last time he and I talked. Darrell's dad was my childhood sweetheart and Darrell's wife was his childhood sweetheart. In addition, Darrell's children were about the same age that my children were when my husband died. Darrell and his family were leaving to go home and he kissed me, gave me a "Big Bear Hug" like he never hugged me before. He told me he loved me but this was not unusual for him to do. I simply never dreamed this would be the last time!!!! |
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