Celebrating the Life of Cynthia Etheridge Ellison, Sunrise: January 29, 1950 - Sunset: April 30, 2015

Life is but a stopping place, A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road, to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys, Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place, Far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker, For some the journey's slow.
And when the journey finally ends, Well claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace, Together with the Lord.
Author Unknown
Ricky Andrews Charles Jones
Clarence Baldwin Leroy Lakes
Tony Baldwin Dejanero Wilson
Representatives of T. W. Josey Class of 1968
New Zion Hill Trustee Ministry
Representatives of T. W. Josey Class of 1968
New Zion Hill Missionary Ministry
The family of the late Cynthia Etheridge Ellison wishes to extend
sincere gratitude for all expressions of kindness and comfort shown
during this difficult period of bereavement. Whether you have
whispered a kind or encouraging word, said a prayer, sung a song,
prepared a dish, sent a flower, phoned, or simply blessed us by your
presence, we thank you for whatever part you may have played by
expressing your condolences in a very special way. Your kindness and
compassion will never be forgotten.
The family will gather for fellowship at
New Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall
Williams Funeral Home, Inc.
2945 Old Tobacco Road, Hephzibah, Georgia
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January 29, 1950
Jun'iet
April 30, 2015
Thursday, May 7, 2015
1:00 p.m.
New Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church
3237 Vi Dean Bridge Road
Augusta, Georgia
Reverend Dr. James A. Hogan, Sr., Pastor
Programs printed courtesy of Stockton PC Printing

On January 29, 1950, the heavens rejoiced at the birth of a precious
baby girl who was named Cynthia by her parents, the late Mr. Walter
Etheridge, Sr. (of the original Bright Stars) and Mrs. Azlee Coleman
Etheridge. She was the only daughter of four children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Etheridge and her mother gave her the nickname Pumpkin.
During her early years, she was reared with her siblings in Augusta,
Georgia where she developed a love of singing from her parents. Cynthia has
been a bold singer all her life. As children, she and her brothers sang together
as the Junior Bright Stars until they reached high school age. She then
attended T.W. Josey High School where she was a cheerleader, participated
on the basketball team, and graduated in the class of 1968. On March 29,
1969, she joined in Holy Matrimony with her high school sweetheart, Jerry E.
Ellison, III, and to that union three sons were born.
Cynthia worked faithfully with the Richmond County Board of
Education as a Special Education School Bus Driver for 20 years and 2
months. At the young age of 12 years old, Cynthia accepted Jesus Christ as
her personal Savior at the Williams Memorial C.M.E. Church, Augusta, GA.
As an adult, she joined New Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the
leadership of Reverend Thomas Sapp on May 17, 1981, and put her hands to
work in the music ministry where she served numerous terms as President and
many years as choir directress. She was also the New Zion Hill Banquet
Coordinator and President of the T.W. Josey Reunion Class of 1968. She
remained faithful in these activities until she was no longer able to serve.
During her lifetime, she experienced many joys and good times with
family and friends. However, she also experienced sorrow and pain as she
tearfully laid several relatives to rest: her mother, Mrs. Azlee Coleman
Etheridge; her father, Mr. Walter Etheridge, Sr.; brother, Vernon Etheridge;
mother-in-law, Mrs. Georgeann Ellison; and two brothers-in-law: Willie
Ellison and Rickey Ellison proceeded her in death. Cynthia was a walking
miracle and a fighter but when God saw that she could fight no longer, the
angels came on the morning of Thursday, April 30, 2015 and escorted her
from earth to Heaven where she will forever be with the Lord.
Mourning her departure and cherishing the memories of a life well lived
are her loving and devoted husband of 46 years, Jerry E. Ellison, III; three
sons: Jerry E. (Loretta) Ellison, IV of Tampa, FL; Preston D. (Latoya) Ellison
of North Augusta, SC; and Gary L. (Yulynn) Ellison of Oahu (Mililani), HI;
two brothers: Walter (Barbara) Etheridge, Jr. of Augusta, GA and Alonzo
(Janie) Etheridge of Lompoc, CA; father-in-law, Jerry E. (Betty) Ellison, II;
three sisters-in-law: Ethel Dunn of Augusta, GA; Annie Kate (Leroy) Lakes
of Martinez, GA and Loretta Brown of Grovetown, GA; one brother-in-law,
Christopher (Crystal) Ellison of Augusta, GA; eight grandchildren: Jasmine,
Jada, Ellisa, Zhyne, Tyrell, Kyla, Preston, Jr., and Jerry V; six godchildren:
Heather Brown, Starlesha Bryant Tucker, Kimberly Murray Floyd, Anyanna
Floyd. Devonte Dennis and Dejanero DJ Wilson; a very special friend,
Priscilla Murray Reed; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Reverend Dr. James A. Hogan, Sr.
Officiating
Celebration Music..............................New Zion Hill Choir
Processional.....................|.............Ministers and Family
Musical Selection..............................New Zion Hill Choir
Invocation.................................Reverend Kathy Patterson
Scripture Readings
Old Testament............................Reverend Troy Lawton
New Testament..............,,........Reverend Virginia Mason
Prayer.........................................Reverend Enoch Ward
Musical Selection.........
Reflections (3 minutes each)
Church Member.......
Choir Member........
Friend..............
Classmate...........
Family & Co-worker..
Obituary..................
#>
New Zion Hill Choir
........Deacon Charles Anthony
.....................Renee Bray
........Reverend Millicent West
....................Linda Walton
....Walter Etheridge, Jr., Brother
Reverend Helena Thomas, Cousin
....................Read Silently
Acknowledgements
Jerry E. Ellison, IV, Son
Preston D. Ellison, Son
Acknowledgements, Recognition & Resolution...Sister Geraldine Law
Musical Selection............................New Zion Hill Choir
Words of Comfort..................Reverend Dr. James A. Hogan, Sr.
Recessional
Interment & Benediction.................................Gravesite
-Interment-
Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery
2700 Deans Bridge Rd Augusta, GA