Joseph Ellington III

Please Click link below to watch Homegoing Celebration Sunday August 10, 2025 @ 2:00pm

https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/joseph-ellington-iii

In Lieu of Flowers

In honoring Rev. Joseph Ellington III’s legacy of service and love, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the JG Ellington Scholarship Fund.

 

Please send all donations to:

Mt. Zion AME Zion Church

455 W Fred D Gray Ave

Montgomery, AL 36104

 

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

 

Life & Legacy of Reverend Joseph Ellington III

 

Reverend Joseph Ellington III

(May 28, 1949 – August 1, 2025)

 

Reverend Joseph Ellington III was born on May 28, 1949, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to the late Joseph Ellington Jr. and Eva Ellington. From a very early age, he openly affirmed, worshipped, and abided in Jesus Christ—a devotion that remained steadfast until his untimely passing.

 

He received his early education in the Tuscaloosa City Schools and graduated from Druid High School in 1967. Reverend Ellington earned a degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Alabama State University, which served him well during his 37-year career with the Alabama Department of Public Health. From 1972 to 2009, he faithfully served as the Director of Infectious Diseases for eight counties.

 

In addition to his professional career, Reverend Ellington devoted 30 years to pastoral service within the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. His ministry was marked by dedication, vision, and a tireless commitment to improving both the spiritual and physical life of the churches he served.

 

Reverend Ellington was also deeply involved in his community. He was a dedicated member of the New IDEA Lodge No. 315 in Andalusia, Alabama, and became a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Beta Upsilon Chapter, seated at Alabama State University in 1969.

 

On August 15, 1970, Reverend Ellington was united in holy matrimony to Gloria Parmer Ellington. Together, they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. Their union was blessed with two beloved children, Derek and Angela, who were raised in a home filled with faith, love, and the example of service to God and others.

 

Ministerial Service and Accomplishments

 

Pleasant Grove A.M.E. Zion Church – Ozark, Alabama

• Served 26 consecutive years as pastor.

• Replaced floor covering and tile in the Fellowship Hall.

• Added a modern lighted marquee.

• Renovated all restrooms with modern improvements.

• Installed new molding and paneling in the sanctuary.

• Installed a lighted cross.

• Built and installed a steeple and metal roof.

• Constructed a front porch and handicapped ramp.

• Painted the exterior and added vinyl siding.

• Installed a concrete parking lot and sidewalks around the church.

 

St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church – Pigeon Creek, Alabama

• Preached trial sermon in 1994.

• Built and installed a lighted cross.

• Built cabinets for the Fellowship Hall, workroom, and Ladies Lounge.

• Replaced sanctuary ceiling tiles with help from friends.

• Installed three metal doors for the pastor’s office and Fellowship Hall.

• Assisted in demolition of old church and dug foundation for new church.

• Installed gutters.

• Purchased refrigerator, stoves, and Ladies Room fixtures.

• Donated and installed speakers for the first sound system.

 

Beautiful A.M.E. Zion Church – Pasteret & Greenville District

• Replaced all plumbing beneath the church.

• Built a handicap ramp.

• Replaced all electrical wiring, including new meter base.

• Installed vinyl flooring in the Fellowship Hall.

• Built cabinets and installed a ceiling fan in the Fellowship Hall.

• Replaced flooring in Ladies Restroom.

• Built a pastor’s office with restroom and furnished it.

• Refurbished church sign.

• Painted the church inside and out.

 

Greater Mount Olive A.M.E. Zion Church – Hayneville, Alabama

• Served as Associate Minister to Rev. Ezekiel Washington Sr.

• Assisted in an advisory capacity for the construction of the present church.

• Provided financial support until the mortgage was paid off.

 

Lomax-Hannon Junior College – Greenville, Alabama

• Made and installed lighted crosses for the gym and chapel.

• Renovated classrooms for Hood Theological Seminary Extension Site.

• Built lecterns, chapel furniture, and kneeling altar pad.

• Installed blinds, signage, technology cabinet, and library furnishings.

 

Other Churches Served

• Pine Flat A.M.E. Zion Church – Repainted restrooms.

• Braggs Hill A.M.E. Zion Church – Painted old church.

• Zion Rest A.M.E. Zion Church – Painted church.

• Popular Springs A.M.E. Zion Church – Built kitchen cabinets.

 

Central Alabama Conference Projects

• Weeping Mary A.M.E. Zion Church – Repaired and painted exterior; built handicap room.

• Clinton Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church – Installed new vinyl siding replacing all exterior walls.

 

Cherished Memories

 

Reverend Ellington leaves to celebrate his life and legacy:

• His loving wife, Gloria Parmer Ellington

• Daughter, Angela Shelton Williams

• Son, Derek (Sheila) Ellington

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

• Four great-grandchildren: Worthy Collins IV, Amora Shelton, Envia Collins, and Julian Shelton

• Two brothers: Reverend Thomas Ellington Sr. and Reverend Alfred (Felicia) Ellington

• Three sisters-in-law: Margaret Parmer, Katrina Parmer, and Ceola Ellington

• Two brothers-in-law: Clarence (Norma) Broomfield Jr. and Z.I. Fleming Jr.

• One uncle: Arthur (Rubye) Ellington

• Six aunts: Willie Mae Jackson, Margaret Williams, Louise Johnson, Bertha E. King, and Margie (Charles) McCall, Josie L. Orr

• A dedicated godson: David Neal

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

 

A Life Well Lived

Reverend Joseph Ellington III will be remembered as a man of unwavering faith, selfless service, and deep compassion. His ministry not only transformed church buildings but also touched and uplifted countless lives. His love for God, devotion to family, and commitment to his community leave an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come.

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