LOUISVILLE, Ky. — This week, the Louisville community is mourning the loss of a beloved and revered local pastor, Reverend Geoffrey S. Ellis.
According to his family, Reverend Ellis died on Saturday, July 6 at the age of 84. He leaves behind a legacy of service, faith and social justice work.
Born on February 12, 1940, Reverend Ellis grew up in the Smoketown neighborhood and graduated from Central High School. He went on to attend Jefferson Community College, the University of Louisville, Simmons College of Kentucky, and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. In 2015, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Simmons College of Kentucky, an esteemed HBCU.
Rev. Ellis was a pastor at African Methodist Episcopal Church for 25 years and touched countless lives through his ministry in Louisville and Elizabethtown, Ky. Rev. Ellis also dedicated over 22 years to state, county and local government. He held significant roles in government such as Special Assistant to two County Judges, Assistant Director of Community Outreach, and Director of City Call, retiring in 2002.
Rev. Ellis co-founded the Ervin House, the first African-American-owned halfway house for ex-offenders in Kentucky. He was a partner in "The Boot Gallery," the first African American high fashion shoe store in West Louisville. Rev. Ellis' passion for youth intervention and gang violence in the 1970s and 80s fostered a partnership in juvenile diversion programming.
In addition to his pastoral and civic duties, Reverend Ellis was deeply involved in various community organizations, including but not limited to being President of the local NAACP branch, leading the Interdenominational Ministerial Coalition (IMC), and being the former chairman of the board of West Louisville Community Ministries and the Vice Chair of the Board of Commissioners of the Louisville Metro Housing Authority Board.
Additionally, Rev. Ellis served his country with honor in the U.S. Navy. In 2023, he co-authored the book "If You Write Me a Letter, Send It Here- Voices of Russell in a Time of Change."
Reverend Ellis is survived by his devoted wife of over 43 years, Rev. Deirdre Ellis, and his six daughters, as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and loving family, friends, and community members. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him, and his contributions to our community will be remembered and cherished.
A celebration of Reverend Ellis' life and legacy will be held Friday, July 12, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quinn Chapel AME Church. The funeral services will be Saturday, July 13 at 11 a.m. at Quinn Chapel AME Church, 1901 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY (40203). Burial will be in Green Meadows Memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to honor Rev. Ellis to the Asbury Chapel AME Church Building Fund, Louisville Central Community Center, or West Louisville Community Ministries.
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