Ola Pearl Butler Ellis

It is with profound sadness and immerse love that we announced the passing of Ola Pearl (Butler) Ellis, 97 of Jacksonville FL. She peacefully departed this life on June 23, 2026, under Community Hospice care at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. Ola Pearl was born December 7, 1928, to the Reddick Butler and Edna Mae (Mincey) Butler in Hughland, a small community of Tattnall County. Preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie M. Ellis and a son, Michael G. Carter. She was the baby girl of eight children, who along with her parents, all preceded her in death: Albert, John, Dave, James, DeWitt, Benjamin, Lewis and Nellie Mae.

Pearl education began in Bethlehem AME Church in Hughland community. She completed her high school education in Vidalia, GA at JD Dickerson’s Training School she was one of the first in her family to graduate from school. She attended Savannah State College for a brief time. She searched for employment in Tattnall County but was unsuccessful so she moved to Jacksonville, FL in 1953. She was successful at being employed at Morrison Cafe as a head chef. While working, she wrote and published cookbooks for sale. She also help raised the children of several prominent families in the Jacksonville area. She found a place to live and a church family at Mt. Zion AME Church, Southside, where she had been a member for over 50 years as a faith member singing with Choir, Lay organization until her health prevented her from serving. As she got older, she attended Pine Forrest Senior Citizens Center on Grant Road, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Her memories will be left in the care of: one son Robert A. Carter (Jennifer) of Lake Myers, four grandchildren: Sheila Hampton of Orlando Fla, Anthony T. Jones, Raven H. Carter, and Michael A. Jones all of Jacksonville, Fla., one Goddaughter Lockeet Jones of Jacksonville, Fla a host of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, five generations of nieces, nephews, her beloved pet, Gucci, other relatives, friends, and a friend of the family Brianna Kelsey.