Ellis Olson Taliaferro was born to the late Mozelle and John Richard Taliaferro in Hockley, Virginia. Ellis departed this life on Sunday, June 14, 2020. Ellis accepted Christ at an early age and joined First Baptist Church in Hockley, Virginia. He was a member of the Youth Singing Group, New Farmers of America, Baptist Training Unit, and the Youth Usher. He was educated in the public school system of King and Queen County in Virginia. Ellis served in the army for 12 years. He received an honorable discharge to complete his college studies. His military duty took him to many places in and out of the United States. His duty included combat operations in the Dominican Republic and Vietnam. He received many medals during his duty in the army. He served in combat operation with the 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions. Ellis received his bachelor's degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He also completed some graduate studies at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Ellis began his professional career with the U.S. Postal Service in the area of procurement. In this area, he developed contracts for all states in the Mid Atlanta area and the District of Columbia. He also served as a contracting officer during this period. Additionally, during this period, he was the diversity area coordinator, teaching small businesses and individuals how to do business with the government. After retirement, Ellis became active in Genesis Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina. He served as an usher, trustee and was the past president of his choir, "The Brothers of Praise." He was a member of Nat Green SERTOMA Club and SERTOMA International, Alpha Delta Mu National Honor Club, National Association of Social Workers, the Wycliffe International Club, and a life member of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the SERTOMA International Club. He was a board member of the Orchard Homeowner Association. Ellis was a past member of the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State (Aggie) Athletic foundation. Ellis was a loyal member and officer of the Arm Forces Retirement Club. He was the founder of the First Baptist Church Homecoming Club. He never forgot First Baptist Church by support and visits. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Amie Haskins Taliaferro; his daughter, Dr. Alisa Sheryl Taliaferro; son, Ellis Olson Taliaferro II; sisters: Margaret Ann Hoffman, Gloria Marie Lumford, and Plunard LaVerne Robinson (Mason); sister-in-law, Maudestein Taliaferro; Brothers: George Elliott Taliaferro (Mary), and Ivory Noble Taliaferro. Ellis was also preceded in death by his brothers: John Robert Taliaferro and Alfred Taliaferro; sisters: Estelle Taliaferro and Lenora Small. 'My life here has come and gone, but where I am, I am not alone. Seek the things that will do you well. Remember, leave your mark of good deeds as well while you are here, don't tarry- seek your gloriousness.' (Ellis Taliaferro) A private graveside service honoring his life will be held Friday, June 26, 2020 at Forest Lawn.