Charles Ellis

MIDDLETON:

Charles Ellis, age 70, passed away on January 21st, 2017 in the loving company of family at Agrace Hospice Care. Charlie was born on January 16th, 1947 in Yazoo City, Mississippi, the son of Margaret and Doc Ellis. He is survived by his mother Margaret, his daughters Adrienne Ellis and Korri Ellis, son-in-law Thad Johnson, his grandson Ellis Johnson, the mother of his daughters and longtime friend Patricia Maddox, and his significant other Marva Askew Williamson.

Charlie was raised in Rockford, Illinois and graduated from Rockford West High School in 1964 where he excelled as both a scholar and an athlete. He attended Beloit College where he studied history, graduating in 1968. His athletic achievements at Beloit College earned him induction into their athletic hall of Fame.

He met his wife and life-long friend, Patricia at Beloit College and they were married in May of 1969. They welcomed two daughters, Adrienne and Korri while living in Dekalb, Illinois where Charles attended graduate school earning a Master's degree in Education Administration.

He worked as an Assistant Principal at Memorial High School in Madison, Wisconsin for 15 years where he touched the lives of numerous young people. After his tenure at Memorial he worked with a number of school districts in Wisconsin and Illinois in various positions that focused on addressing racial disparities in education.

Charlie was a champion for social and racial justice in both his personal and professional endeavors even when it caused others discomfort, he shined a light on issues that needed to be addressed when it was at times neither wanted nor embraced. The energy of the masses working towards equality and justice had a strong presence on the day of his death, January 21, when many were moved to act and create disquiet in hopes of generating positive change.

Charlie spent his retirement years living in Middleton, WI and continued to serve young people in his community; as an advocate for students of color and at risk students at Monona Grove High School, as a mentor and counselor for teens in the juvenile justice system, and as an educational assistant at The Walbridge School.

One of the highlights of his later years was the birth of his grandson Ellis Johnson in May of 2014. Watching Ellis explore and grow gave him great joy. Charlie's curious spirit, his intelligence, and his love of athletics live on within his only grandchild.

Services will held be on Saturday, February 18th at 2:00 pm at Madison Christian Community, located at 7118 Old Sauk Road, Madison WI 53717.

Memorial donations in Charles memory can be made to Beloit College, Attention: Development Office, 700 College Street, Beloit, WI 53511.

Please share your memories of Charlie.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
608-238-3434