It has been said down through the years that behind every good man, there’s a good woman, and this has proven to be true about Mother Rosie Dell Ellis. Rosie Dell Hendrix was born September 18, 1918 in Nashville, Arkansas. Rosie was saved while very young and was a faithful member of Hickory Grove Church of God in Christ. She married John Paul Ellis in February 1943 and they soon moved to Houston where they became members of Buck Street Church of God in Christ.

Sis. Ellis was a very supportive and virtuous wife and mother. She worked alongside her husband in founding, leading and building St. Paul Temple Church of God in Christ. From its humble beginnings in a tent set up by her husband to our present facility, Sis. Ellis and other early founders and members could be seen gathering regularly for prayer at noon. Sis. Ellis was often the spark that ignited the testimony service. She often played the piano and lead the congregation in gospel songs. She also worked as a Sunday School teacher, assisted with the Sunshine and Purity Band, and a Mission worker.

Her loyalty and devotion to God could be witnessed in her community involvement. She was known to rise early to travel to Houston Farmer’s Market where she gathered fresh fruit and vegetables to give to members of the church and the community. She often helped total strangers with whatever means she had.

Sis. Ellis was a mother who raised her six children in the fear of the Lord and in the early days of the church, she and her husband brought them on the long ride on the city bus to attend worship, praise and prayer service. She faithfully maintained her home while her husband worked a full-time job and pastored. She was an integral part of the church and continued as a faithful member after her husband passed away in 1984. She was designated as the church mother by the late Elder Frank James Sherrard, Sr. She was active in the church services and activities until her health began to fail. Even then, she often pressed her way to be in service.