STARKVILLE — Arella Rena Ellis, 76, died March 14, 2025, at her residence. 

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, at Mt. Olivet M.B. Church, with the Rev. Al Lathan officiating. Burail will follow at Memorial Garden Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-5 p.m. Friday, at Hairston and Hairston Funeral Home. Hairston and Hairston Funeral Home of Starkville is in charge of arrangements. 

Mrs. Ellis was born June 24, 1948, in Starkville, to the late Thomas and Ella Ellis. She was a graduate of B.L. Moor High School in Crawford, Jones Business College, South Shore Community College and Lydia Adams Beauty College. She was formerly employed as owner of Wig Island, LaVilla Hair Care Salon and Bread of Life Christian Bookstore. She was a member of Running Water Baptist Church. 

She is survived by her husband, Tyrone Ellis; son, Stephen T. Ellis of Starkville; daughter, Stephanie R. Witherspoon of Starkville; sisters, Loddie Clark, Era Jean Ellis, both  of Chicago, Illinois, Nancy Glenn, Shirley Harris, both of Atlanta, Georgia, Essie R. Barnes of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Evelyn Ellis, Brenda D. Johnson, both of Starkville; brothers, Leonard Ellis, Willie Clyde Ellisa and Ivan D. Hudson, all of Starkville; and seven grandchildren.