Rev. Mother Ella Rene Ward

Rev. Mother Ella Rene Ward was born on August 4, 1944, to James W. Berry and Mamie Louise Berry in Pike County, Georgia. She received her formal education in the Spalding County School System in Griffin, Georgia. She furthered her education at several institutions obtaining certificates in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Administration and Child Care.

Rev. Mother Ella accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and was united with New Hope Baptist Church and later joined Philadelphia Christian Church where her commitment was furthered solidified with baptism. During her time at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, she helped direct the Children Praise Choir, which was a 60+ member choir. She also counseled many, including many in prison. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, and Rock Creek Baptist Church. In her later years she was ordained as a Rev. Mother of Philadelphia Christian Church.

Ms. Ella Rene Clemon Berry was united in holy matrimony with Mr. Freddie L. Phillips in Griffin, Georgia. Their union was blessed with 7 children. Later in life she met and married Mr. Samuel Ward, and to that union they had one daughter together.

Rev. Mother Ella was employed by the EG Bowen Nursey in Griffin, Georgia, the Kroger Company in Atlanta, Georgia, Hilton Hotels in Atlanta, Georgia, and later becoming a business owner of a furniture and thrift store in Atlanta, Georgia.

In her leisure time she enjoyed spending time with children. She took pride in raising numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. On one occasion she would have 17 children in her home at one time. During her time at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, she helped direct the Children Praise Choir, which was a 60+ member choir. She also counseled many, including many in prison. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, and Rock Creek Baptist Church. In her later years she was ordained as a Rev. Mother of Philadelphia Christian Church.

On Wednesday, December 18, 2025, Rev. Mother Ella Rene Ward's name was called, and she answered and was set free from all sickness and pain. Rest now in peace and comfort, your journey has ended, battle fought, and victory won. She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Ward, her parents, James W. Berry and Mamie Louise Berry, her children, Roderick O. Phillips, and Uneeda N. Phillips, her siblings, Martha Berry, Annie L. Berry, Angela E. Green, James M. Berry, Otis (Virginia) Berry, and Isaiah Greene, Jr., sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Berry (Homer).

Rev. Mother Ella Rene Ward leaves a legacy of beautiful memories to be cherished in the heart of her children, Jeff (Marrie) Phillips, Timothy W. (Melody) Phillips. Cecil (Pamela) Griffin, Carl N. (Sandy) Phillips, Racquel T. Phillips, and Sabrina Ward, her siblings, Willie Joe (Susan) Berry, Rev. Homer Berry, Jr., Minister Justina Berry, Ralph Berry, George (Kathleen) Greene, Thelma Ogletree, Bobby (Robin) Etheridge, Jimmie (Mary) Barnes, Leon (Trecia) Berry, Paul (Patricia) Berry, Gloria Berry, Clarice Berry, and Thomas Carson, 40 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, step-mother, Magnolia Berry, and first husband of her children, Freddie L. Phillips.

Your mother saw something in me at an early age. An amazing hero who poured richly into my life and so many. She made a difference; a huge one in my life. All that I have done and accomplished is based on her foundation!! We are better because of her.