Cousin Ellis Scholarship
A significant focus of the Christian mentoring offered to the young men of Carmen Ministries revolves around continuing education and specifically the pursuit of a secondary education.
Annually Carmen Ministries presents the Cousin Ellis Scholarship to a well-deserving Carmen Ministries’ participant for use towards the pursuit of a secondary education. This Scholarship is in memory of Trustee Ellis Dubois Jones, the late cousin of the Executive Director of Carmen Ministries, Tony Wood.
(Please read ‘Life Reflections’ below for background on Trustee Jones.)
The honored recipient of the Cousin Ellis Scholarship consistently demonstrates Christian character and integrity against insurmountable odds.
Trustee Ellis Dubois Jones
September 28, 1914 – May 23, 2004
1 Corinthians 2:9
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived, the things God has prepared for those who love.”
Life Reflections
Ellis Dubois Jones, son of the late Joseph E. and Mary L. Jones, was born September 28, 1914 in Northumberland County, Virginia. He resided in Northumberland until his death.
Ellis, one of fourteen children, was educated in the public schools of Northumberland County. He furthered his education through his participation in many religious, civic, and community organizations. Ellis was proud of his affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America and traveled throughout Virginia with Troop 234.
On June 4, 1941, Ellis was joined in holy matrimony to the former Hortense Walters with whom he shared 62 years. To this union were born three children: Barbara, Elwood, and Warren.
Ellis joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church at an early age, under the pastorate of the late Reverend John L. Nickens, Sr. He was a dedicated member of the church and served faithfully as chairman of the Trust Board for more than 25 years, was a member of the usher board, and for more than 50 years was a member of the Men’s Chorus. For several years on Sunday mornings, the children in the community often looked forward to “Mr. Ellis” picking them up on the church bus for Sunday School and Morning Service.
Ellis was a mild-mannered individual, who loved his family, church and community. He enjoyed helping others and was the caretaker of many relatives and friends over the years. He was called on at any hour of the day or night to help with a problem. If he was not around, the problems would wait for him. After his retirement as a mechanic, he kept busy in his spare time with projects around the house, church, and community.