Ohio Leaders Mourned:Jerry Russel Ellerson: Most Worshipful Grand Master- Ohio Prince Hall Masons

(Akron, OH) -- Jerry Russel Ellerson, the 65th Most Worshipful Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio and its Jurisdictions from August 2021 – August 2023, was remembered at homegoing services at the Prince of Peace Baptist Church.

Hundreds of Ohio Prince Hall Masons joined family and friends said goodbye to one of Ohio’s outstanding leaders..

A US Army veteran, he was educated in the Akron Public Schools graduating from Akron North High School.

While attending the University of Akron, he met his wife Karen. On August 11th of this year, they celebrated 44 years of marriage

He was a retired employee of DuPont Performance Elastomers where he was employed for 35 years.

Jerry was involved in several social activities, He enjoyed coaching North Akron and Kenmore Peewee football teams that included his two sons. He served two terms as president of the “Suitable Mens Club”- an organization of high school friends from North Akron who donated scholarships.

His faith in God and service to the community led him to join the Ohio Prince Hall Masons beginning in1982 when he was initiated as an Entered Apprentice. He was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason 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.

On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Jerry traded his earthly life and slept peacefully into a life everlasting with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Eulogy and Masonic services were held at the Prince of Peace Baptist Church. Rev Jack Streeter officiated.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Melzina Ellerson and his father, Edward Ellerson.

Left to cherish his memories: his wife of 44 years- Karen Ellerson; 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; and sister-in-laws: Wanda (Lovell) Terrell, Brenda Coleman and Frances Holt.

Dr. Francis E. Dorsey Pan African Studies Director: PhD ; Kent State University

Dr. Francis E. Dorsey Pan African Studies Director:

(Kent, OH) –Dr. Francis E. Dorsey, PhD ; Kent State University, believed in academic excellence and encouraged students to give back to their communities. He oversaw the direction of the Pan African Theater at Kent State

Dr. Francis Dorsey's areas of study included communication, theatre, culture, and Marcus Garvey.

KSU alumni nation-wide, students and friends in Portage County are mourning the passing of Dr. Dorsey on Friday, October 20, 2023.

A native of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, Francis Dorsey started out at Kent State University as a temporary Assistant Professor in 1981. Later in 1990, he became an Assistant Professor- the year he earned his PhD at KSU.

He was the Director of the Center for Pan-African Culture from 1990-1999 while continuing his faculty role. In 2006 he became the department's Acting Chairperson, followed by an Interim Chairperson role from 2007-2010. In 2010, he reverted to his tenured FT faculty role through 2013 when he retired.

Dr. Dorsey was elected to the President's position during the 61st National Convention of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society at Lincoln University in April 2011. His term as president began in 2012.Before becoming National Presidentn, Dorsey iwa the advisor of the Mu Mu Chapter at Kent State University and region director of Alpha Kappa Mu Region VIII.

An outstanding academic, Dr. Francis Dorsey's areas of study included communication, theatre, culture, and Marcus Garvey.

He is a retired part time Associate professor in the Black Studies Program at Cleveland State University.

An African homegoing service was held on Saturday, November 3, 2023 at the Emmanuel Christian Academy in Akron, Ohio. Arrangements by Rhoden Funeral Home.