Gloria D. Ellington

Click the link below to watch Homegoing Celebration Feb 07, 2026 at 12:00 noon

https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/gloria-ellington

 In Lieu of Flowers

In honoring the legacy of Rev. Joseph Ellington III and Gloria Ellington —

a legacy rooted in faith, service, and love — the family kindly requests that donations be made to the:

JG Ellington Scholarship Fund

Mt. Zion AME Zion Church

455 W. Fred D. Gray Avenue

Montgomery, AL 36104

Your support will help continue their mission of empowering future generations through faith and education.

Mrs. Gloria Parmer Ellington, a devoted servant of God, loving wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and community leader, was born on November 9, 1949, in Butler County, Alabama, to the late Henry Lee and FloreeParmer. From an early age, she openly affirmed her faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ, a devotion that guided her life until her untimely passing.

At a young age, Gloria united with St. Luke AME Zion Church, where her lifelong service began. She sang in the choir, attended church school, served faithfully as a missionary, and became the first female member of the church’s trustee board. Her dedication to the church remained steadfast throughout her life. Over the years, she served as Co-Director of Youth, Director of Children in Christian Education, President of the Deaconesses, and Treasurer of the Greenville District, among many other roles.

Gloria received her early education in the Butler County School System and was a member of the first graduating class of Robert L. Austin High School in Georgiana, Alabama. During her time there, she wrote the words to the school song, which were later set to music by the band director, Mr. Barnie Smart. She continued her academic journey at Alabama State University, earning a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and later obtained a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Troy University. She also pursued additional studies at Auburn University.

Teaching was not only Gloria’s profession, but her calling. She believed every moment held the potential to be a “teachable moment,” and she lived by that principle. She devoted 31 years and 3 months to teaching kindergarten in the public school system. Her career included 2 years at Hillcrest Elementary School in Enterprise, Alabama; 5 years at Church Street Elementary School in Andalusia, Alabama; and 24 years and 3 months at Holly Hill Elementary School in Enterprise, Alabama. While teaching, she maintained active membership in the Enterprise Education Association, the Alabama Education Association, and the National Education Association. She was blessed to retire while still serving in the classroom she loved so dearly.

Gloria united in holy matrimony with Reverend Joseph Ellington III, and from their loving union one son was born, Derek (Schelitha) and a stepdaughter, Angela. They shared 55 years of marriage marked by faith, love, and service. When Reverend Ellington was called into ministry, Gloria stood faithfully by his side as they devoted their lives to upbuilding the Kingdom of God.

Her service to the church extended far beyond the local level. At St. Luke AME Zion Church, she sang in two choirs, served as President of the Deaconesses, Overall Director of Christian Education, Missionary Member, and Lay Council Member. At the district level, she served as East Montgomery District Missionary President for 24 years. At the conference level, she was President of Conference Workers and a longtime Delegate to the General Conference. At the general level, she served on the Restructuring Commission, as well as the Resolution, Revision, and Family Life Committees.

Gloria held life memberships in the Assembly of Christian Educators, the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, the International Ministers and Lay Association, and the Ministers Widows and Spouses Fellowship.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Reverend Joseph Ellington III; and her siblings: Willie Henry Grays, Harvey Parmer Sr., Etherine Broomfield(Clarence), Loretta Fleming(Z.I. Fleming, Jr.), Dr. Edward Lawrence Parmer, Sr (Mary), Delarie Parmer (Katrina).

Gloria leaves to cherish her memory:

• Son, Derek Ellington(Schelitha)

•  Stepdaughter, Angela

•  Seven grandchildren: Jalen Ellington, Devonta Ellington, Stedman Ellington, Theron Ellington, Courtney(Sharmonika) Shelton, Kimberly(Wesley) Street, Elston “E.J.” Shelton, Jr. 

• Four great-grandchildren: Worthy Collin’s IV, Amora Shelton, Envia Collin’s and Julian Shelton

• Sister, Margaret Parmer

• A host of other relatives and friends who loved and admired her

Her life stands as a testament to service, education, and devotion to God and family. Though she has laid down her earthly work, her legacy will continue to teach, inspire, and guide all who knew and loved her.