Lizzie Coward Ellis

Lizzie Coward Ellis was born September 18, 1928 in Lamar, Louisiana to the union of Charlie and Cora Crosby Coward. She departed this life on Thursday, December 25, 2025 surrounded by her family after a very short illness. She was 97 years old. During her early years, she and her brother Sidney worked the family farm in Lamar. Lizzie loved the outdoors; the neighbors always knew she was home because she was building a barrel fire or enhancing her green thumb by digging in her flower beds. In the early 60s, Lizzie left the farm and commuted to Monroe to work as a domestic worker. In 1969, she began the process of studying for a nursing degree and graduated as an LPN in 1971 from Delta Vocational School. She purchased a home in Monroe and continued to provide nursing services in the Monroe area until she retired. Lizzie was unstoppable and never allowed hardship to define her. She knew how to endure with grace, strength, and unshakable faith. In a world that could have denied her opportunity, she pressed forward, carrying herself with dignity and quiet courage. She poured that same resilience into her family, teaching them to stand tall, love deeply, and trust in God in all things. Her faith was anchored throughout her life. She was a devoted member of the Friendship AME Church until relocating to Monroe where she united with Allen Chapel AME. Family Lizzie leaves to mourn her passing her daughters, Peggy Ellis (McKinney, TX), Cathy Ellis Burrell (Roy) of Shreveport, LA; her son, Michael W Ellis (Tennessee); her grandchildren, Bryan Jackson (Marion) of McKinney, TX; Tiffany Jackson (Brooklyn, NY); Kenya Ellis (Allen, TX); Eric Jackson (Cleveland, OH) and Ashley Carter (Greensboro, NC). Her great-grandchildren; Breanna Price (Dallas, TX); Bryan Christopher Jackson II (McKinney, TX) and Kylie Ashley (Allen, TX) along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Cora Coward; her siblings, Fletcher Coward, Anthony Coward, Emma Coward, Elnora Evans, Willie B. Smith, Pearl Jingles, Ethel Marie Dyson, Joseph Prater and Sidney James Coward. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11 a.m. (CST) at Allen Chapel AME Church in Monroe, LA with Rev. Regina S. Robinson, Ph.D officiating. Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery in Crowville, LA. Richardson Funeral Home of Monroe, LA is honored to serve the family of Lizzie Coward Ellis. See memorial video below: