Denise Rochelle Ellis

“Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.” Proverbs 31:25-26 (New King James Version)

Denise Rochelle Ellis, age 63, was born on October 26, 1962, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Albert Ferrell and Nancy Carroll. She was known as “Happiness” to her family and friends. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, Denise went home to be with our Heavenly Father.

Denise accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at a young age at Childs Memorial Baptist Church (now known as Keeping It Real Christian Fellowship) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She epitomized a virtuous woman with a kind, gentle, loving spirit.

While in high school, she met Nicholas Perrimon and gave birth to four children: Nikki, Mikki, Angel, and Denise. Later, she fell in love with Gregory Ellis, and they were married in 1993. She was affectionately known as “The Apple of his eye.” During their 32-year union, they were inseparable, experiencing faith, joy, and happiness. A dynamic duo, they were fervently involved in ministry at Childs Memorial, Pinn Memorial, and Ezekiel Baptist Churches. Recently, they initiated church planting in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania.

Denise was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System. Afterward, she continued her learning at the Community College of Philadelphia. After graduating from CCP, she earned her bachelor’s degree from La Salle University and her Master of Social Work from Temple University. She was a career educator and social worker.

She had a passion for spending time with family, cooking, gardening, crafts, football, and shopping. A gentle soul, she could always be counted on for love, caring, prayers, and a listening ear.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Ferrell and Nancy Davis, stepfather Nehemiah Davis, and her son, Angel Ferrell. She is survived by her faithful husband of 32 years, Gregory Ellis, daughters Nikki Ferrell, Mikki Perrimon, and Denise Ferrell, grandchildren Doran Boothe Jr., Michael Smith Jr., Serenity Ferrell, and Shawn Monroe Jr., siblings Christine Ferrell, Albert Ferrell Jr., Belinda Gibson, Alice Idris, and Barry Ferrell along with a host of family, friends, and acquaintances. After a life well-lived and a battle with cancer, she is now safe in the arms of Jesus Christ.

Her celebration of life was held on February 13, 2026, at Pinn Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA. She was interred at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Hospital for Children or the Salvation Army.