Obituaries

Merion Earl Ellis

Though hearts are heavy and sadness may prevail as the departure of our loved one becomes a reality, we must take the time to remember the blessed life and the acts of kindness Merion Earl Ellis has afforded us through the years. Merion was born May 29, 1948 through the loving union of Tommy Ellis and Jessie Mae Green Ellis. He was the eighth child of ten, including four sisters and five brothers. After graduating from Kemp High School in Bryan Texas, Merion continued his education at Prairie View A&M University. In 1970, he obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering, specializing in the relatively new technologies of computers and networking.

After graduating college, Merion married his high school sweetheart, Ruby Faye Newton and began a career with International Business Machines (IBM) in South Carolina. A few years later, Merion transferred to Houston, Texas and had two children: Tameka Michelle Ellis and Sean Christopher Merion Ellis. During this time, Merion thrived professionally as he was assigned projects with NASA, various oil conglomerates, and distinguished himself with several service awards and acknowledgements.

Despite a crushing divorce, Merion was blessed to meet and marry Deborah Francis Johnson (affectionately known as Deb) who he would come to know as the love of his life. During this time, Merion and Deb committed themselves to philanthropic work and giving to advance education, especially at Merion’s Alma Mater, Prairie View A&M University. After retirement from IBM, Merion went on to work for BMC Software. He was ultimately inspired to embark on his first entrepreneurial effort when wrote and developed his own proprietary consulting software, Prodensoft LLC. Unfortunately, after 19 years of marriage, Deb’s battle with cancer came to an end. Despite being diagnosed with cancer himself, Merion redoubled his efforts and deeds as a committed Christian, father, grandfather, and friend. Merion departed this life on November 21, 2016.

We rejoice that God placed Merion in our paths and God loved Merion enough to reconcile him unto Himself. Merion was preceded in death by a devoted father and mother, a sister – Betty Pearl Ellis, and his loving wife – Deborah Ellis. Merion has left a legacy of love in his daughter – Tameka Michelle Ellis Thomas, his son – Sean Christopher Merion Ellis, his grandson – Jordan Thomas, and his former wife – Ruby Ellis. He also leaves five brothers: Johnny Sims Ellis (Ruby), Leon Ellis, Lester Ellis and Anthony Paul Ellis – all of Bryan TX, and Lawrence Charles Ellis of San Francisco CA. Merion leaves three sisters: Tommye Ellis James (Wesley) of Compton CA, Ruby Jewel Ellis Waller of San Antonio TX, and Joyce Ellis Newton (Tommy) of Bryan TX, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.