Ellen A. Ranson

Ellen Antoinette Powers Ranson, beloved mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend answered her Savior’s call on March 25, 2019 at 6:16 p.m. at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland surrounded by her only child Jameshia Dixon and a host of family and friends. Ellen was born on November 14, 1943 and was the second child of six siblings to the late Alex and Ellen Powers in the Lindenwood section of Norfolk, Virginia. She was predeceased in death by her brothers, Alexander “Shorty” Powers and Tyrone “ Tookie” Powers, a nephew, Frederick M. White and all her aunts and uncles. Ellen’s education began in the Norfolk Public School system. She completed her higher education at Frederick Douglass High School in Baltimore, Maryland and Dundalk Community College. As a young child, Ellen attended Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. When she moved to Baltimore, she attended Sweet Hope Free Will Baptist Church. In her earlier years, Ellen worked for Gilbert Dental Laboratory in Norfolk, Virginia before relocating to Baltimore to live with her aunts. It was at that time that she began working for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services (Westwood, Penn North and Broadway locations) providing the citizens of Baltimore with support for 43 years until her retirement. She enjoyed sitting on the porch of the family residence and at her home where she lived for 42 years. Her family roots were strong as she picked up gardening from her mother and aunts. Ellen was known to sit until sunset completing puzzles, speaking with her neighbors and took great pride in manicuring her garden and took pride in keeping her property presentable. She also had a positive impact on children in the neighborhood (even teaching children to drive). Ellen was known as Ma, Mommy, “Peaches”, “Net”, Aunt Sister and Antoinette to all close friends and family. Ellen was also known as the “go-to” person for advice, life questions but was oftentimes misunderstood. She was a special woman who would give advice at times and was a staunch advocate for and emphasized education and accountability to all she encountered. Ellen was straightforward, kind and a good listener. She was also strong, independent, matter of fact and was known to have a kind heart. She was a superior, loving and caring mother to her daughter, Jameshia and molded her life with support and encouragement in all her career endeavors. Ellen also never hesitated to care for her mother, siblings and aunts when medically needed. Ellen leaves to cherish her memory: her only child, Jameshia L. Powers Dixon of Baltimore; a brother, Irving Powers of Norfolk, Virginia; two sisters, Deborah Walker of Oklahoma City, OK and Linda Power

Tributes

Ellen A. Ranson

November 14, 1943 - March 25, 2019