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Lillian Ellison Obituary
Ellison died Friday, according to Dunbar Funeral Home in Columbia.
Born Mary Lillian Ellison in 1923, she was dubbed the Fabulous Moolah after saying she wrestled "for the money ... for the moolah."
She was a longtime champion and the first woman inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame. Her autobiography, "The Fabulous Moolah: First Goddess of the Squared Circle," was published in 2003.
Ellison grew up in the small Kershaw County community of Tookiedoo, the youngest of 13 children and the only girl.
Her daughter, Mary Austin, 66, said her mother had six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, loved her family and wrestling.
Her obituary from the funeral home lists 63-year-old Katie Glass of Columbia as Ellison's adopted daughter. Glass, known as "Diamond Lil," was a professional midget wrestler for 25 years. She said she was just 17 when she moved to Columbia to live with Ellison and learn to wrestle.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
304 Entries
Kevin Ellison
November 19, 2021
She is my Aunt
Dennis Winship
May 14, 2021
I liked seeing her beautiful costumes in wrestling. She was a good wrestler. Dennis winship Lynn massachusetts
Jason Woodley
December 27, 2018
Miss and love you Miss Moolah! Still miss you hugging my neck! God bless!
Valenda Newell
March 14, 2017
SOMEONE SOOOOO SPECIAL CAN NEVER BE FORGOTTEN...RIH GREAT ONE!!
How you can show support
Fred Cunningham's &family
January 19, 2017
R.I.P Lillian was a great lady .
January 27, 2016
ktaylor
Richie A.
June 14, 2015
"The Fabulous Moolah" The roughest, toughest, meanest, strongest, most beautiful, kind entertaining, and elegant Goddess of the ring! You entertained us for years, You gave it your all, your eyes filled with light and a smile that melted hearts! Forever the world champion, Heaven became a lot more beautiful when Ms. Ellison entered through the pearly gates. Don't cause too much havoc up there with Johnnie Mae!
Harry Simpson
November 2, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Tyler Casper
June 30, 2014
This is way long over Due! Lillan (The Fabulous Moolah) Ellison, Thank You for being such an inspiration and an Amazing Role model I look up to even today! Youre Truly Fabulous! R I.P <3
regina watkins
February 26, 2014
I didnt know R.I.P. to the great MOOLAH
Nate Haywood
December 15, 2013
The Fabulous Moolah. Key word Fabulous. You were the greatess,then and now!!! R.I.P.
September 16, 2012
To Lillian Ellison,
You just great as the fabulous moolah in the WWE. I will seeing in action. God Bless you Miss Ellison. Lisa Weiner
Jack Hartman
August 6, 2012
One hell of a lady.
Jack Hartman
Elsa Bueno
May 28, 2011
RIP Lillian..
Billie Acrie
May 26, 2011
RIP Lillian...you will be missed!
March 4, 2010
For Lillian...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
lea scolli wolfe
January 13, 2010
I have knowen her daughter Bambi fro many years she is my ex sister in law and a very dear freind. Shirley was a great women she is missed
Roger Vogeler
November 26, 2007
I love you & will miss you something awful..You are the reason why I started watching
wrestling...you will be missed..
Love Roger...
Tony McClarty
November 23, 2007
My mother Shirley Strimple)and Lillian (Moolah) were friends through the years. They had wrestled together back in the day. I had met Moohlah on several occasions, very charming and funny lady. Proud to of known you. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your family.
Barbara Harris
November 19, 2007
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. To the family of this great woman, I say to you, keep holding on to God's unchanging hands, and He will make everything alright. Take comfort in knowing that she is resting now and that she has received her championship title in Heaven. One day you will see her again!
RIP Moolah -Christy
November 19, 2007
Debbie Johnson
November 17, 2007
I wrestled Moolah many times ,I think the best was in New York at Shea Stadium.
RIP Moolah
IN ACTION
November 15, 2007
Deb Skaltsis
November 13, 2007
I never met Moolah, but when I heard of her death, I felt like a little piece of me died, too. I have watched her matches all of my life. My earliest memory is watching wrestling on our b&w TV with my father in the '50s, and he always used to point to Moolah and tell me that she was proof a woman could do anything a man could do, so long as she set her mind to it. Remembering that thought is why I am an engineer today. I just finished reading her auto-biograpy two weeks ago, and all I can say is how lucky I am to have had such a good, decent, talented and classy woman for a hero.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family. May her Memory be Eternal!
Margaret Guttke
November 12, 2007
I will cherish all of the good times we had together between our family's, while in Sedalia, Missouri With Love, God Bless.
John Crombie
November 11, 2007
Lillian, I knew you as a dental patient a while back. You were kind,gracious and a character(in a good way). We will all miss you. Dr. John Crombie
j horton
November 11, 2007
in and out of the ring,you will be dearly missed.
charles lincoln
November 11, 2007
I BEEN WATCHING WRESTLING FOR THE PAST 32YEARS OF MY LIFE (WWE,WCW,WCCW,AWA,AND UWF).SORRY FOR THE LOST OF LILLIAN ELLISON //AKA FABLOUS MOOLAH MAY YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND.
This is Moolah with one of her belts,
Bryan Tennant
November 10, 2007
I had the pleasure of seeing Moolah several times when I lived in RI. I remember on day while waitimg out back at the Civic Center for autographs. They were doing a tapimg of Super Stars of Wrestling and a lot ofwrestlers were running late and would not sign but I seen Moolah comming from the parking lot and when she got to the area were to goin I went up to her and asked her for her autograph and she said sure but it will have to be quick I am running late for an interview so she took my paper and signed it WITH LOVE MOOL. I still have that autograph and many others. I will miss seeing her on tv. She was a Great Womans Wrestler and the BEST WOMANS CHAMPION THE WAS. May she REST IN PEACE.
DIANA PEREZ
November 10, 2007
you will be greatly missed!
Albert/ Laura Cintron
November 10, 2007
Lillian Ellison was one of all time greatest Women champion wrestler. I grew up see her wrestle for the past 29 years as a young child. Thank you Lillian for the wonderful memories and being a big part of wrestling history that you left behind for all your fans to remeber you by. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
My condolences to the Ellison Family and friends.May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Me.
Brenda Hayes
November 10, 2007
I remember watching her when I was 15.First time I watchd wrestling.She was a fantastic wrestler and and lady.She will be greatly missed.Always in my thoughts.
William Gantt
November 10, 2007
Love'em or Hate'em. Lillian Ellison, and like so many before and after them. We all have lost a great lady. She knew how to entertain us the fans. God Bless Lillian Ellison aka the Fabulous Moolah.
DARLENE JONES
November 10, 2007
I have been a fan of wrestling for many years. I am from the old school of wrestling, When wrestlers were wrestlers. These people that are doing their thing in the ring today have a whole lot to learn. When women were women were in the times of Ms. Ellison, they knew their stuff and were not afraid to show you what they knew, that is if you still did not understand. May God bless her family and her friends who loved her and to her fans keep her alive by shouting moolah at each match. Moolah rest in peace girl you deserve it. You paved the road for the ones that came behind you and are coming in the name of FABULOUS MOOLAH,
IF I COUND BACK JUST ONE MORE TIME TO SEE YOU
Wellington Roy Ledger
November 10, 2007
I'LL MISS YOU DEARLY
Curtis Carlton
November 9, 2007
Moolah was a great lady wrestler and I enjoyed watching her back in the day. She WAS the FIRST DIVA as far as I was concerned. My prayers to her and her family. We will miss her.
Lisa Daugherty
November 9, 2007
Ms. Moolah. We will miss your energy and grace. Thank you for entertaining us, and making a happy spot for so many.
Jeff
November 9, 2007
Dear Ellison Family,
I can remember seeing "The Fabulous Moolah" wrestle when I was a teenager in the mid eighties. I loved watching the WWF on the USA network and the NWA on the superstation in Atlanta. I got so much enjoyment and entertainment watching these guys and girls and it really brings back fond memories of days gone by forever. I feel a connection and a loss whenever I hear of a wrestler's death. Especially, one like Lillian as well as Road Warrior Hawk and "Ravishing" Rick Rude that I watched with friends "back in the day". People like Lillian are a part of my youth and growing up that I will always remember. God Bless and Keep You Lillian!
JACK BONDS
November 9, 2007
FABULOUS MOOLAH (LILLIAN)
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
Dirty Punk
November 9, 2007
I love you more than words can express though our paths never would meet.Thunder Ray Stern and I and others from the Cauliflower Alley Club were on our way 2006 so that you and I could meet.I am sad to say that day never came I love and miss you The Dirty Punk.
taryn bills
November 9, 2007
she was a great lady and will be missed very much. she always made me smile,everytime she came out with fay by her side.i will miss her very much
Reba Sullivavn
November 9, 2007
I never had the privelidge of watching her wrestle, but sure would have. I watch wrestling and from what I heard, she was more than fabulous, she was marvelous.
We will be praying for her family and friends during this time of grief.
Burt Irby
November 9, 2007
I remember you when the famaly would gather and watch you on tv. you were a great lady wrestler! and you will be greatly missed!!!!
barbara mills
November 9, 2007
I do not know much about wrestling, but her life shows that she had what the Bible says is "special mightiness," and I know that your sadness is very great. May the promises Jesus taught us to pray for be your realization during this time and in the future.
Lisa Weiner
November 9, 2007
I seen the fabulous moolah wrestle in the wwe and I thought she was just great.
Beth &Tyler Winter
November 9, 2007
We will miss her smile and watching her wrestle. Moolah was so much fun to watch and cheer for. May she rest in peace in heaven. Thanks for entertaining us and all the memeories. You were truely the Fabulous Moolah!
Tammy Nelson Rayfield
November 9, 2007
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Christopher
November 9, 2007
I once worked with Ernie Roth and Beautiful Bobby promoting wrestling
for Vince McMahon. I met Lillian on several occasions, and I had dinner with her a few times. In fact, I still have a Christmas photo card that she sent me.
Lillian really had a talent to get the croud going. I am very disappointed that I didn't have a
chance to see her before she passed
away. God Bless you Lillian, and
although she may not be with us,
Jesus said, "When we die, life has
not ended, it's only changed,"
God Bless You,
Jeff Christopher
Jerry & Sharon Grasso
November 9, 2007
To the Family of Ms. Ellison:
May God Help You all through your
grief at this time. I very much enjoyed seeing her whenever I could.You have lost a FABULOUS person.
John Brooks
November 9, 2007
You will be missed by all!
CHRIS WILSON
November 9, 2007
SHE WAS A GREAT LADY AND WRESTLER AND WILL BE MISSED.
LeAnn Mooneyham
November 9, 2007
I remember when I was younger. I would watch wrestling with my Grandmother, Dad and My Mom. I would love to see Fabulous Moolah come out. She was a Great Lady of wrestling. She will always be remember. Prayers are with her family.
joyce nopper
November 9, 2007
fabulous moolah was a great wrestler she was a great person she will be missed i loved fabulous moolah when she was on wrestling i watched it all the time she was the best my mom watched her too everytime i watch wrestling i always thick of her an i miss her being on their.
mark mattis
November 9, 2007
May God Bless You and give your family strength
Dan Webster
November 9, 2007
First lady of wrestling, she will be missed!
RONNIE ROWE
November 9, 2007
THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF MY LIFE. WE WILL MISS YOU.
J. A.
November 9, 2007
To the family of Lillian,my deepest sympathy for your lost,your not alone,everyone that loved watching her wrestle has lost one wrestling most colorful profile womens wrestling champ in the world.She was an incredible wrestler and her actions in and out of the ring speaks for itself!Thank you for all the good times moolah!We will all miss you!
FLAWLESS
ROBERT BRYANT
November 9, 2007
THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR MAKING WRESTLING WHAT IT IS TODAY... EVEN THOUGH THINGS HAVE GREATLY CHANGED! YOU WERE THE MOVEMENT FOR THAT CHANGE... THE ABLILITY TO GROW UP AND WATCH YOU BACK IN THE DAYS AND THEN SEE YOU AGAIN COME BACK AS AN OLDER WOMAN, REALLY GAVE YOU THE RESPECT THAT YOU ARE ENTITLED TO.... I APPREACIATE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE.... YOU ARE BLESSED AND NOW FOREVER BLESSED!!! THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL YEARS OF ENTERTAINMENT.... WITH LOVE.... YA BOI ROBERT JOSEPH BRYANT... SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA
susie adams
November 9, 2007
i am so sorry too hear about your mother
lisa n
November 9, 2007
i really enjoyed watching her and mae young. she will be greatly missed. thank you for paving the way for women wrestlers.
Chet Palmer
November 9, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Gene Lowman
November 8, 2007
Moolah you will be missed. Thanks for the memories.
Melissa Villanueva
November 8, 2007
May the lord bless you fabulous Moolah. Loved seeing you on T.V. all though the years.
P M
November 8, 2007
Thanks for paving the way, you were great! :)
Richard Brown
November 8, 2007
May the Lord bless you and keep you. Fabulous Moolah...you were the greatest!
REGINA HALL
November 8, 2007
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Larry Howell Jr.
November 8, 2007
Mrs Mary, Mine and my Wifes thoughts and prayers go out to you and Susie and the rest of your family. I know we've never really met But Charlie has spoken nothing but Great things about you.
Sonya "Spunky" Schell
November 8, 2007
I enjoyed you in the ring and there will NEVER be a greater woman in this sport. Thank you for the memories.
James Gustafson
November 8, 2007
I would like to send my condolences to the friends and family of Mary Lilian Elison better known as The Fabulous Moolah,she will be truly missed by wrestling fans all over the world and by everyone who knew and loved her. Lilian Elison was a lady who truly was fabulous. There have been a lot of talented women who have followed in Lilian's footsteps bu there will never be another Fabulous Moolah. In the words of the legendary WWE Hall of Famer Captain Lou Albano Moolah was "often imitatd but never duplicated" when it comes to The Fabulous Moolah those words are very true indeed. Mary Lilian Elison-The Fabulous Moolah may you rest in peace.
charlie mae queen
November 8, 2007
may the lord bless the family in the time of sorrow.
Allie Dowd
November 8, 2007
For Lillian's Family & Friends My Thoughts & Prayrs Are With U At This Very Sad Time.
Lillian Will Be Remembered As A Really Sweet Lady Who I Wish I Had An Opportunity To Meet She Will Also Be Remembered As A Lady Who Pioneered Women's Wrestling.
RIP LILLIAN ELLISON TRULY FABULOUS!!!
jettie robinson
November 8, 2007
For a wonderful lady that when growing up made my dad's Saturday. You will be missed,
John Ashley
November 8, 2007
To the Family and Friends of Ms. Ellison, a great lady has left us a true legend of the ring and of the Lord's family! She will be missed but not forgotten for all the memories she has left us to dwell upon. Remember the good times and know that she is in Heaven today looking down and smiling at all the love and respect she is getting! God Bless and stay strong!
Lorna and Fred Davis
November 8, 2007
thanks for the memories and rest in the arms of our LORD.Sorry for your loss,she was great.Love to see her on tv.
james mcCartin
November 8, 2007
Growing up in Baltimore MD. wrestling was the only sport I enjoyed and the high light of the evening was when they announced the The Fabulous MOOLAH was wrestling. My dearest sympathy to all the family.
Kenneth Hite
November 8, 2007
to a great woman who will be missed
Yolanda Sandoval
November 8, 2007
to the family and friends of Lillian Ellison.... she will be truly missed i would watch her on the WWE she was a great wresler....
Doris Layton
November 8, 2007
We would like to extend our condolences to the family of the "Fabulous Moolah". She was a great wrestler and will be dearly missed by all her fans. When we went to the visitation on Tuesday night, my 8-year old son stood there fascinated because he had seen her on television. Our prayers will continuously reach out for her family and loved ones.
Dan & Lorna Barney & Family (Mae Young's niece)
November 8, 2007
The energy with which she lived her life became her trademark with everyone who met her. Lil was an inspiration to all of us. She will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Lewis Brazell
November 8, 2007
Our prayers are with you and your family. Lillian will be missed.
Lewis Brazell and family
CHRISTINA SEVENE
November 8, 2007
I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY CONDOULANCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THIS MOST WONDERFUL WOMEN.I CAN REMEMBER HER WHEN I SHE WAS A CHILD SHE WAS ON A WRESTLING CARTOON THAT I WATCHED EVERY SATURDAY.I HAVE LEARNED THAT SHE WAS A VERY ACTIVE WOMEN THAT ALWAYS HAD A HEART FOR OTHERS IN THE WRESTLING INDUSTERY LOVED TEACHING OTHERS HOW TO MOVE AROUND THERE APONENTS.SHE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL HOW NEW HERE AND WOULD HAVE LOVED TO MEET HER.
Kathy Faile
November 8, 2007
To Ms. Moolah's Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Both of my parents have passed away but they knew Moolah and were good friends. They would tell us what a great person she was. I was always proud to have known her in a small way.
Mr. Jimmie Burnside and Sue Burnside's Family and
Mrs. Betty Nyberg
sami house
November 8, 2007
i am deeply sorry for your loss. I broke down when i heard of her passing. i remember watching Mrs.Ellison wrestle. she was the woman who made me want to wrestle because she looked like she was having fun.i will keep you in my prayers!!!
Chris Gibbs
November 8, 2007
The few times I had the pleasure of meeting Moolah she always had a smile on her face & seemed so happy. She sent me an autographed picture of herself and Mae Young through Donna Christiantello, who i worked with, which I have hanging in my office. It is a treasure to me beyond monetary value. All of my encounters with her were extremely pleasant and extremely memorable. To her friends & family I am truly sorry for your loss. Remember not to mourn death, but celebrate her life & legacy. May god bless her friends, family, and all who read this.
ken spence
November 8, 2007
A true legend has been lost. The greatest lady wrestler of all time,
a great person and friend is gone. All who knew her will miss her greatly.
R.I.P Moolah - you were the best!
Ken Spence [email protected]
Wayne Bramell
November 8, 2007
I've been a hugh fan since my childhod in So. Md. and remember the matches back in the 50's and 60's at the Uline Arena in Washington, DC.
Jill Sybalsky
November 8, 2007
Tears have been flowing from learning of Moolahs sudden death. I will certainly miss the joy and fun her and Mae Young brought me and millions of other fans when they appeared in the WWE ring. She inspired many people that just because you grow old doesn't mean you have to stop doing what you love. To Lillian's family words can not express the sadness I and others are feeling. My thoughts are with you through this terribel time.
Michelle Bass
November 8, 2007
I am so sorry for the families loss. As a participant in some of her healthcare, I will truly miss Moolah!
joseph sasseville
November 8, 2007
to a lady who truly changed the lives of many; may peace be with her now as she watches upon us from a better seat. i am sorry and i give my sympathy to her family. be strong
Lynna Rushton
November 8, 2007
To Aunt Lillian's family:
We wish to give you and the entire family all our prayers and are sorry that none of of us were able to attend the service. We lost Uncle Bob Ferqueron (he was Sue Lou's Carroll Ferqueron's second son). His service was at 2:00pm on the 7th. We were thinking about all of you and how much Aunt Lillian would be missed.
She changed the world for women and the entire world of wrestling for ever will never be the same.
With Love,
Lynna Ferqueron Rushton
and the entire Carroll and Ferqueron Fammilies
Dennis and Elizabeth S
November 8, 2007
Sincere condolences to the family and friends of this truly fabulous woman. Wrestling has lost a superstar and one of the few remaining links of the old style of wrestling we all loved.
clarence baillargeon
November 8, 2007
the fabulous moolah you were one of akind i never saw you in real life i watch you on t.v.for years and you were fabulous i will never forget you you have a hart of gold my prays go out to you and your famliy thanks for the memories clarence baillargeon oakland park fla.
Joe Thomas
November 8, 2007
Talent,skill and personality all wrapped in class and always a lady. Thanks for keeping us entertained Moolah, thanks for all the good memories. They don't make them like you anymore, you were a one of a kind. Rest in peace champ.
JONATHAN MILLS
November 8, 2007
YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT I KNOW THAT YOUR IN A BETTER PLACE GOD HAS HIS LOVING ARMS WRAPPED AROUND YOU AND SAID WELCOME HOME HOW BEAUTIFUL THOSE STREETS OF GOLD DO LOOK NOW THAT THEY HAVE SOMEBODY WHO WAS SIMPLY FABULOUS MY CONDOLIENCES GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY REST IN PEACE YOU WILL BE MISSED
Truly Fabulous -
Verne Langdon
November 8, 2007
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep;
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond’s glint on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn’s rain…
when you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight;
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry:
I am not there…I did not die.
Joel Albrechtsen
November 7, 2007
I have been a wrestling fan for years and I always was entertained by watching the Fabulous Moolah wrestle. There will never be one like her ever. We all will miss you.
Michael Kekelik
November 7, 2007
Here's to the greatest female Wrestler of all time thanks for the memories and my prayers and thoughts are with you and your Family
Abyssinia Fabulous Moolah
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