Brian W. Ellis was born on April 3, 1971 in Lansing, MI to the late John Lee Ellis and Mary Ann Ellis. Brian attended Lansing Public Schools and was well known and loved. Brian was a lover of people. He did not meet a stranger. He was a very giving and generous person, who showed loved and compassion for others by going out of his was to help those in need, often times giving his very last! He served in the community as a volunteer at the Food Bank, Distribution Centers, Salvation Army, Hospital, and could even be found playing "Santa Clause" at Christmas time for Toys 4 Tots. Brian was a member of Mt Olive Bible Believing Baptist Church under the leadership of Prophet Paul W. Garrett, Sr. Brian was an understanding singer who shared his musical gift in the Lansing Community as well as Midwest Region. He has sung at many funerals, church programs, anniversaries, birthday parties, weddings, family reunions and more! Brian would stand flat footed and SANG, belting out notes without strain or struggle! He had the voice of an Angel and didn't mind using his gift for the glory of God. Brian was preceded in death by Father, John L. Ellis; Brother, John G. Ellis; Sister Darcel Curry-Freeman; Grandparents, Ben Alleen & C.P. Curry, John & Mary Ellis; Aunt's & Uncle's, Bernice, Edward & Willie Curry, Charles & LeAnna Green, & Nathan McClure; Niece, Dashara Moore. Brian entered into eternal rest on Sunday, October 25, 2015 surrounded by family and friends. Although we are deeply saddened by his absence, we are truly grateful for having shared his life and love. Brian leaves to cherish his precious memories: Mother, Mary Ann Ellis; Brother's, Christopher Brown & Anthony (Patricia) Lewis; Sister's, Clarie Lacy Demetricia "Peaches" Ellis, Rev. Patricia (Wayne) Coats, Andrea "Poopie" (John) Ellis-Ndiaye; Marietta "Vetta" Rugamayo, Tonya Ellis, and Tamika Ellis; Step-Sister and Brother, Amelia (James) Wilson, & Andre Watson; Special God Brothr's & Sister's, Renee Anthony, Kely & Shakeita Whitte, and William Crenshaw, Jr.; God daughter, Jezriel Spears; Special Cousin's Marla, Trina (Pat), Edward, Natasha, and Jessie Curry; Special Aunts, Betty Williams, Dorothy Curry, and Geraldine Kimble; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom Brian loved dearly. Visitation will be Thursday, November 5, 2015, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Riley Funeral Home, 426 West St. Joseph, Lansing, MI. Celebration of Life will be Friday, November 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. also at Solid Rock F.G. Baptist Church.