Jerry Russel Ellerson, beloved son of Melzina Ellerson and Edward Ellerson, was born on August 22, 1951 in Akron, Ohio.  Jerry was a proud student of Bryan Elementary School, Jennings Middle School, and a graduate of North High School.  In 1971, he left the University of Akron and joined the United States Army.  He took his basic training at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington and advanced infantry training at Fort Ord, California.  With his two brothers already serving in Vietnam, Jerry was deployed to Stuttgart, Germany where he served 13 months prior to being honorably discharged.

Jerry returned to Akron and re-enrolled at Akron University where he met his beloved wife, Karen.  On August 11th of this year, they celebrated 44 years of marriage.  They made their home in Copley, Ohio where they prayed over and raised two wonderful sons; Jared Ellerson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and JaVaughn Ellerson of Columbus, Ohio.

Jerry retired in 2011 from DuPont Performance Elastomers where he was employed for 35 years.  His last 14 years at Dupont, he served as Operations Supervisor and formed bonds and friendships that lasted until his passing. He loved coaching Akron area youth sports.  He coached football, basketball and baseball for both North Akron and Kenmore community teams from 1974 thru 1996.  He is most proud of his work with these young athletes and having the opportunity to coach both of his own sons. Jerry served on the board of The Suitable Men, a social organization of childhood friends and mentors whose purpose was to improve the quality of life for poor, disadvantaged youth and citizens of the North Akron community.  He served as President of the group in 2006 and 2011.  Scholarships were awarded to deserving graduates, and they celebrated and recognized influential supporters of the North Akron community.

Jerry believed in working hard to make goals and dreams his reality.  He was most honored to have served as the 65^th Most Worshipful Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio and its Jurisdictions from August 2021 – August 2023. His entry into the Fraternal Order of Prince Hall Masons began 2/21/1982 when he was initiated as an Entered Apprentice.  He was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on 11/28/1982 in Mount Calvary Lodge #76, Akron, Ohio. He served Mount Calvary Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1990.  His love for his lodge allowed him to serve as Treasurer for more than 28 years until his passing.  After joining Mary Chapter #47 with Karen, he went on to serve as the Worthy Patron for eight different years. His final year of 2011, he and Karen served from the East together. Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Ellerson was a member of the following Masonic Houses:

Zerubbabel Chapter #40, R.A.M., Golgotha Commandery #36, Enoch Council #20, Bezaleel Consistory #15, Al Kaf Temple #109, Enoch Court #5, El Zerubbabel Court #5.  MWPGM Ellerson never wavered from his love for all aspects of his Masonic work and the work never failed his belief in all things being done decent and in order.

Jerry believed in God first, then family and everything else followed.  He was a member of the Prince of Peace Baptist Church. He loved nothing more than traveling with his wife, and spending time with his family.  He occasionally enjoy a good hand of Poker and a solid round of golf.

On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Jerry traded his earthly life and slept peacefully into a life everlasting with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Melzina Ellerson and his father, Edward Ellerson.

Left to mourn his passing, yet cherish his memories: his wife of 44 years, Karen Ellerson; his two sons, Jared (Megan) of Minneapolis, Minnesota and JaVaughn of Columbus, Ohio; grandchildren, Jaryn, Julian and Jayden of Minnesota and Jazarah of Columbus;  brothers, Sammie Ellerson and Gerald (Susan) Ellerson of Akron, Ohio; his three sister-in-laws, Wanda (Lovell) Terrell, Brenda Coleman and Frances Holt; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

** This Celebration of Life may be viewed on Facebook: Prince of Peace Baptist Church