Eva Delores Ellison

Eva Crank Ellison of Orlando, FL passed away Monday, November 3, 2020, at Gentry Park Assisted Living and Memory Care. She was 90 years of age.

Eva was born in Hamilton, OH, to parents O.C. and Hazel Mullins Crank on March 21, 1930. She was the second of five children who not only grew up together but who grew together in an inspiring lifetime friendship. The calling on O.C. and Hazel's lives led to the family living in Hamilton, OH, Orlando, FL, Miami, FL, Phoenix, AZ, and Baltimore, MD. Eva graduated from Western High School in Baltimore before attending City College in Baltimore. She married John B. Ellison on February 17, 1952. They would enjoy a blessed and happy married life together until John's passing in 2014.

After graduating high school, Eva worked for the United States government from 1948 to 1959 in Baltimore. She then worked for the Martin Marietta Company in Orlando from 1959 to 1964.

In 1975, the Ellisons were commissioned as world missionaries with the General Council of the Assemblies of God. They served in Ghana, West Africa, at the Assemblies of God Literature Center, followed by service with International Correspondence Institute in Brussels, Belgium until their retirement in 2003. Eva and John were grateful to God for the privilege of ministering the Gospel in West Africa and Europe. They were thankful as well for the many wonderful friends with whom they were privileged to serve.

Eva was known for her hospitality and works of service. She was a member of the Christian Women's Club in Orlando from 1966 to 1975, serving as Chairwoman from 1971 to1973 and 1974 to 1975. She was also a member of Christian Women's Club in Brussels. Eva enjoyed working as a hospital Auxiliary Pink Lady during her Orlando years. In the U.S. and overseas, people without a place to go for the holidays often received invitations to the Ellison home.

A gifted organist, Eva and her husband John, an equally gifted pianist, ministered together for five decades on three continents in local church ministry, radio, television, and revival meetings. Many people around the world remember the Ellisons and treasure the memory of their anointed music, their unique flow in playing together, and their humility in offering their talents to the Lord and His church.

Eva and John served as organist and pianist for local congregations in Baltimore, Orlando, and at Christian Center, a noted international church in Brussels, Belgium. Eva taught a Junior High Sunday School class and sang in the church choir during her family's Orlando years.

John and Eva were known for their love of family. That love was especially evident in their commitment to raise their children to know and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Eva was a godly and loving mother, reading the Scriptures and praying with her children every morning as well as encouraging their active participation in the church youth group, scouting, and 4H. Her children learned to play the piano seated on the bench by her side.

Following their retirement in 2003, the Ellisons were active in several Orlando area churches before eventually becoming members of The Sanctuary.

Eva is survived by her children, Gary and Lori Ellison (missionaries in Vanuatu) and Tricia and Alan Baker (pastoral coaches in Orlando); four grandchildren: Alicia and Matt Fierro, Allison and Daniel Luna, Jasmine Ellison, and Jeremy Ellison; and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by four siblings, Marie Combs Brommer (Phoenix, AZ), Charles and Jan Crank (Noblesville, IN), Doug and Jackie Crank (Clermont, FL), and Gloria and Jim Blankenship (Pittsboro, IN). She was preceded in death by her husband John and her parents, O.C. and Hazel Crank.

A Visitation with the family will be held on Monday, November 9,2020, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions located on 895 South Goldenrod Road, Orlando, FL. 32822. Where the Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday. November 10, 2020 at 10:00 am.
Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Gotha, FL.


The Ellison family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation to the administrators, staff, and nurses of Gentry Park Assisted Living and Memory Care in East Orlando for their ministry to and care for Eva. We pray God's blessing on every member of the Gentry Park caregivers team.