Betty Ellison

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Betty Jean (Benson) Ellison Betty Jean (Benson) Ellison was born on July 15, 1937, in Center Moriches, New York, along the South Shore of Long Island. She was the only child of Louire Benson and Lizzie Lathan Benson. The family later relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where Betty attended the Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Miller High School. She continued her education by attending nursing school and becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Betty was employed by several Detroit area hospitals and eventually settled on private duty nursing. She loved working with her patients, especially the ones who were well known. Even with her illness, she was quick to let you know she had a long nursing career. Betty grew up on the westside of Detroit and became a member of Aijalon Baptist Church. She later joined other churches but always called Aijalon her home church. Betty loved being mother to her first child, Patricia. She later met and married James Ellison, Sr., in 1956, and six children were born to this union, James, Jr., Peggy, Cheryl, John, Tracey and LaShawn. After her divorce, she was a devoted mother to her children, always encouraging each one to do their best. Her favorite hobby was making flowers, especially flowers for Mother’s Day. She was very proud of the fact that everyone came to her to purchase their flowers. Betty was loved by all who knew her. She embraced aging as something to be grateful for and often let everyone know that “age ain’t nothing but a number.” When her health began to fail her, she was admitted to Lahser Hills Care Center. She loved the residents and staff. You could always see her rolling down the halls in her electric wheelchair, going from room to room to say, “hey buddy or good morning, buddy.” Betty loved to play bingo and a good game of tunk with the residents of Lahser Hill. Her other favorite past time was buying scratch off tickets. The Lahser Hills staff treated her so well, providing excellent care for her especially toward the end of life. Everyone knew not to let “Miss Betty” (as she was affectionally called) leave her room without her red lipstick and her purse. When she was placed in hospice care, she made it clear to her family that she wanted to go back home to Lahser Hills. Her favorite number one (1) staff members were Katrea “CeCe” Rahman, CNA and Zackary Pennington, Administrator. Zack would often tell her when he was leaving for the day and that she was in charge until he returned. And she really thought she was in charge. Betty loved her family and they loved her. Her beautiful memory and legacy will always be cherished by her children: Patricia Ann Moncrease, James (Christine) Ellison, Jr., Cheryl Denise Echols, Tracey Lynette Ellison, and LaShawn Keys: her grandchildren, Kourtni Moncrease, Brittani Sanders, Terra Grimmett, Terry Grimmett, Tevin Grimmett, DaeJon Parks, Kisha Ellison, Mario, Ellison, Ricky Ellison, Breonna (Corey) Berry, Antonio Ellison, James DeRon Ellison, Terrance Ellison and LaKreisha Ellison. She also leaves her great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren (with one on the way), God daughter, Nicole France, God sister, Rosemary Edwards, and a host of cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her children, Peggy Ann Ellison and John Edward Ellison, her parents, Louire and Lizzie Benson and great granddaughter Edniesha Ellison.

Betty Ellison

July 15, 1937 - June 3, 2026