Bereavement and Homegoing

Mildred Denise (Whitmore) Ellison, mother, grandmother, and sister, was born the youngest of
three daughters to Floyd and Ella Mae Whitmore on February 11, 1951, in Norfolk, VA and
departed this life in Washington, D.C., on December 20, 2024.
Mildred Denise grew up with a passion for learning and education that was fostered by her
mother and aunt. She was extremely bright, witty, a level-headed thinker, a beautiful writer,
gentle-natured, and introverted. As an example of her youthful intelligence and resourcefulness,
tempered by self-awareness and self-determination, Mildred participated in the Norfolk Public
Schools Citywide Spelling Bee. She had to catch the bus to participate, and-even though she
knew the championship-winning word-Mildred Denise purposely misspelled the word to let
another participant win. She later revealed that she did not want the attention of being known
as the “smartest” person in Norfolk.
Mildred Denise was recognized in the 1967-1968 edition of Merit’s Who’s Who Among American
High School Students. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk as the
Class of 1968’s salutatorian. Upon completing high school, Mildred Denise won a 4-year
scholarship to Barnard College, a women’s college in New York affiliated with Columbia
University. While at Barnard, Mildred Denise was one of twelve American girls who went to
Mexico for a month to practice Spanish. As a foreign exchange student, Mildred Denise lived
with a family in Mexico and was featured in an article in the Sol de Irapuato (Sun of Irapuato)
newspaper on Saturday, July 13, 1968. Mildred Denise was a part of the Barnard Organization of
Soul Sisters (“BOSS”), an organization that celebrated its 50th anniversary at Barnard in 2019, and
took an active part in writing and editing missives that outlined the organization’s ideology,
grievances, and requests. Being part of BOSS enabled Mildred to fight against social injustices
that occurred on campus. After a couple of years at Barnard College, Mildred Denise wanted
to return home to attend Norfolk State University. She graduated from Norfolk State University in
1974, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. In 1977, Mildred Denise earned a Master of
Arts in Romance Languages from Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Shortly after graduating from Howard University, Mildred Denise started working at the
Department of Employment Services (“DOES”) as a claims examiner in 1977. She met and
married Samuel Ellison while working at DOES. During her time at DOES, Mildred Denise was
recognized for excellent work, skills, and aptitude via certificates of commendation, service
awards, and promotions. Mildred Denise spoke Spanish and French. She often used Spanish in
her positions at DOES. In 2009, Mildred Denise retired after 32 years of service in the D.C.
Government.
On October 16, 1982, Mildred Denise gave birth to her only child, Jade Samantha Ellison. Mildred
Denise was heavily involved in her daughter’s life. She was often seen socializing with swim team
parents during Jade’s time at the pool. Mildred Denise was actively engaged in Jade’s
education at St. Benedict the Moore School and Bishop McNamara High School. She often
made impromptu visits to the school, frequently volunteered as a Spanish substitute teacher, and
was an active Parent Teacher Organization member. Mildred Denise made it a point to know all
of Jade’s teachers to keep a pulse on Jade’s academic progress.
Mildred Denise was brilliant. Her brilliance expressed itself in a multitude of ways. She was an avid
reader who loved authors like Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes. She had an incredible
memory, was well versed in several subject matter areas, and knew lots of trivia facts. One of
Mildred Denise’s favorite television shows was Jeopardy. While she was a lover of books, Mildred
Denise especially enjoyed cookbooks because she loved experimenting with new recipes. A
unique part of her brilliance is that it was unassuming and was not always apparent. Mildred
Denise loved having conversations with people whose intellect engaged her own, and she loved
a good argument. Often when Mildred Denise entered a room, she would quietly observe until
asked a question, and then her brilliance became clear during the discourse. She savored
thinking outside of the box and would share creative advice with others.
Mildred Denise was also known as the family historian. She knew where everyone in the family fit
chronologically and could share in detail and with specificity, not only what happened during a
given incident, but also the year events occurred and the surrounding details.
Mildred Denise united with Spirit of Peace under the pastorate of the Reverend Ronald K. Austin
on October 3, 2004, and was baptized on November 30, 2004. Mildred Denise served faithfully
and dutifully as a member of the Voices of Peace Choir. Her high soprano voice captivated
everyone in hearing range. Mildred Denise was a Missionary, a member of the “Keenagers” (the
Seniors Ministry). Mildred Denise was a faithful church member of Spirit of Peace Baptist Church
over the years and utilized her meticulousness with numbers and facts in the trustee training
program. She was a stickler for integrity and operating with a spirit of excellence. She believed
and practiced doing whatever she was asked and in a timely manner. Mildred Denise was a
valued member of the Model Cities Senior Wellness Center, where she actively participated in
various activities. She was an enthusiastic member of the choir, sharing her love for music with
others, and she regularly took part in brain games, always eager to engage her mind and stay
mentally sharp.
Mildred Denise’s greatest joy in life was her family, and there was nothing she loved more than
spending time with her grandchildren. Whether it was reading them stories, enjoying outdoor
activities together, or simply sharing in the laughter and love that filled their time together,
Mildred Denise was a constant source of comfort, guidance, and affection. Her grandchildren
were her pride and joy, and she always made time to ensure they knew how deeply they were
loved.
Her family remembers her not only for her selfless devotion but also for her unwavering ability to
make moments spent together feel special. Mildred Denise’s nurturing spirit, warm smile, and
gentle heart left an unforgettable mark on her grandchildren, who will forever cherish the
memories she created with them.
Mildred Denise’s love for her daughter, grandchildren, and extended family was matched only
by her kindness and compassion for others. She was always ready with a listening ear, a helping
hand, and words of wisdom. Her generosity and love knew no bounds, and she will be dearly
missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Mildred Denise is survived by her daughter, Jade E. Jones (Jerrel); her beloved grandchildren,
Janiah, Jayla, Jordan, and Joshua; her sisters, Emma Elaine Little and Sharon Lee Hill; and many
other loving family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ella
Mae Whitmore, and father, Floyd Whitmore.

Final Arrangements for Mildred Denise Ellison:

• Saturday, January 18, 2025

Service: 10:00a.m.

• Spirit of Peace Baptist Church

  4311 R St.

  Capital Heights, MD 20743