Deborah Lee (Harris) Ellison was born to the union of George Harris and Ramona L. (Harris) Swan on February 2, 1950. She departed this life peacefully on October 14, 2025. Deborah loved the  Lord and served him faithfully by singing, teaching, preaching, and witnessing to those around her until her death. Deborah accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Bethesda  Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. J.P. Wilkins. While there, she participated in the Children's Ministry and the Children's Choir. Deborah united in marriage with Joseph Ellison, Jr. on  May 27, 1972. From that union, two sons were born: Rev. Dr. Joseph Ellison, III and Joshua Ellison. Deborah and Joseph were married 48 years at the time of his passing on December 19, 2020.

Deborah, Joseph, and their sons became members of the Corinthian Baptist Church under Pastor Wesley V. Maxie, Sr. Both Deborah and Joseph were active members of Corinthian. Deborah  served as a trustee, member of the Bereavement Ministry, and member of the music department (singing soprano in the Inspirational Choir, the Mass Choir, the group Sisters, the Sonrise Choir,  and the Voices of Corinthian). Her passion for glorifying God through song also led to membership in The James McCray Choral Ensemble, known as JMCE. Her vocal gift opened the door for her to participate in the chorus for the Cincinnati Opera's presentation of Aida. God gave Deborah the spiritual gift of teaching. She was faithful in executing this gift through the Heart to Heart Women's Ministry, Vacation Bible School, the Precept Upon Precept bible study class, and through service as teacher of the Intermediate Girls Sunday School Class (for young women ages 13-16). Deborah later became a member of Harac Parech Ministries for the World where she served as a teacher and received her call into the Gospel Ministry. She was licensed there as a minister and consequently ordained as an elder in 2021. Her husband, Joseph, eventually joined her at Harac where they faithfully served the Lord together until the time of Joseph's passing and her  decline in health.

Deborah (often referred to as Debbie or "Deb") graduated from Withrow High School in 1968. Upon graduation, she enrolled at The Ohio State University and completed additional study at the University of Cincinnati and Thomas More College throughout her working career. Deborah was employed by the Hamilton County Municipal Court for 31 years in the Assignment Commissioner's Office. Her service as a municipal clerk evolved into a short stint as the Assistant Assignment Commissioner for Hamilton County. More importantly, her work brought her into contact with countless attorneys and judges — some of which became friends. She was known for her meticulous, no-nonsense nature and for ensuring that all things were done decently and in order. This approach to vocational service garnered her much respect.

When she retired from the Hamilton County Court System, she worked  as a part time clerk for the law firm of Arenstein & Gallagher. She loved both this work and her employers. She  onsistently contributed to the NAACP, the United Negro College Fund, HBCUs, and Cincinnati Freestore. During retirement, she also served as a newspaper reader for the Cincinnati Association for the Blind. Deborah's acts of service culminated in the donating of her body to science via the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine so that future doctors might learn from her earthly life. Deborah leaves to mourn her passing her sons, Rev. Dr. Joseph Ellison, III (Shannon) and Joshua (Sierra); grandchildren, Joseph, IV,  Sydney, and Desmond Davis; mother, Ramona Swan; brother, Darryl Swan; and a host of relatives and many friends.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Ellison family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Ellison family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.