Herbert G Ellis October 09, 1932 – November 05, 2018 Share this obituary Send Flowers View/Sign Guest Book| Send Private Condolences| Send Sympathy Card Herbert Gorge Ellis was born on October 9, 1932, the 7th child of John Quincy Ellis,Sr. and lula Gibson in St. Louis. ,Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his sisters Lillie Mae, Margaret, Irene, Marvella, Rosa Lee,Helen,Wilma Jean, Ruth,and his only brother, John. After graduating from Douglas High School in Webster Groves, he attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City,Missouri where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. While at Lincoln he pledged to Kappa Alpha PsiFraternity, Inc. Before continuing his education, Herbert enlisted in the Army.
He served from 1956 to 1958, at which time he earned an Honorable Discharge. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University. He holds two Doctorate of Philosophy Degrees.
One was awarded from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale the another earned from the Union Graduate School in Cincinnati,Ohio. He also received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane letters from Lincoln University. Dr. Ellis’ career as an educator and social scientist began in the Chicago Public School System.
During his 38-year tenure, he served in various teaching positions in middle and upper grades, including special education, corrections and adult education. He also served as the Assistant to the Sub-District Superintendent of Schools, and was an Administrator in the Department of Special Education and Pupil Support Services. Dr. Ellis was the designer, implementer, and director of the first comprehensive Education Diagnostic Center for students with or without disabilities in the public and private schools within the city of Chicago.
After retiring from the Chicago Public School System, Dr. Ellis became a consultant/coordinator in the Graduate School of Education at DePaul University. Here, he successfully helped schools placed on remediation enhance their school climate and culture, as well as elevate their students’ academic achievement in reading and mathematics. At Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Dr. Ellis served as a graduate instructor.
Here he designed and taught the graduate course, Legal Framework of Special Education. Also, he was an Adjunct Professor at National Louis University of Education at Evanston, Illinois,and an Adjunct Professor at Governors State University at Park Forest, Illinois. Dr. Ellis served on the Committees of Candidates for the doctorate degree at DePaul University in Chicago, Loyola University in Chicago, and Roosevelt University in Chicago.
As a social scientist, Dr. Ellis has singularly and collaboratively conducted many research projects. He has written and presented articles in the fields of Education, Cultural Anthropology, and Ethnography. He has also published Nationally and Internationally.
Herbert confessed his faith in God at an early age. He was active in his community church in Kinloch, MO. After moving to Chicago in 1958, he became a member of Kelly Methodist Church.
He later joined Greater Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church. As a member, he served as a Trustee, Deacon, member of the Finance Committee and Council of Servants, and an Elder. His love of music was expressed through his participation in the Sanctuary Choir where he was both a member and President.
In 1958, Herbert was introduced by his cousin to the woman who would become his best friend, his love, and his wife, Mary Louise Walton. They were wed on August 28, 1960, and had two children, Katherine and John Ellis. His love of music and skill presented him with the opportunity to perform with Duke Ellington in the stage production of Duke Ellington’s, “ My People” at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago.
While Herbert was engaged in many social, civic, and career pursuits, his priority was always God and his family. He loved to spend time with his children and tried to give them as many positive life experiences as he could. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Mary; his children, Katherine and John; his sister, Almeda,and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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