Please join us at 2 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Alvarado Full Gospel Tabernacle as we gather with heavy hearts to honor and celebrate the life of Ellis Brookins, a beloved husband, father, family member, and friend.

A visitation will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Rosser Funeral Home in Cleburne.

Ellis was born on December 9, 1959, to Dewitt and Margie Brookins, and he passed from this life on July 12, 2026.

Ellis leaves behind his loving wife, Melinda Brookins, with whom he shared 34 years of marriage, as well as his six children: Allen Morrow, Ellis Morrow, Natalie Brookins, Marcus Brookins (Rebecca Harrell), Margie Brookins, and Garrett Oliver (Chelsea Oliver). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Lauren Morrow, Jeremiah Rutledge, Mike Rutledge Jr., Vanessa Brookins, Kalvin Brookins, Jackson Rutledage, Liam Drews, Dayton Maxwell, Anastasia Hilton, Luna Hilton, and Brayllen Oliver. Ellis and Melinda also loved and welcomed their bonus children as their own. His life was deeply rooted in family, and the love he gave to those around him will continue to live on in each person who knew him.

Though Ellis was sick for a good while, he never gave up. He faced his illness with strength, courage, and a spirit that inspired others. Even in difficult times, he carried a great sense of humor and found ways to bring smiles and laughter to those around him.

Ellis loved God, and he loved his family. Those two loves shaped the way he lived, the way he treated others, and the legacy he left behind. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewitt and Margie Brookins, as well as his brother and sisters Calvin Brookins , Lillie Roberta and Cathy Brookins. He also leaves behind two siblings: Dewitt Brookins and Jimmy Brookins.

Today, we remember Ellis not only for the years he lived, but for the love he shared, the laughter he brought, the faith he held close, and the barbecue he made that everyone will miss. His memory will remain in the hearts of his wife, his children, his bonus children, his family, and all who were blessed to know him.

Ellis always worked hard until he no longer could. He was a great dad to his children and a father figure to many others. He never complained about the mess or the noise that came with all the kids Melinda would come to love, because he knew that, in time, he would end up loving them too. Over the years, Ellis became a dad to a lot of kids, helping guide them into the amazing young men and women they have become. He loved every child who came into his life.

If there are one or two things to remember about Ellis, it is that he sometimes had a hard time saying out loud just how much he loved you, but he showed his love in the ways he could. He didn't buy Melinda flowers often, instead he'd get her the whole rose bush-so that she would always have roses. And at night, he would tell Melinda how proud he was of every one of his kids. That quiet love, steady pride, and faithful presence will never be forgotten.

May we find comfort in knowing that Ellis is no longer suffering, and may we carry forward the humor, strength, love, and faith that made his life meaningful. Though he will be missed dearly, his legacy will continue through the family he cherished and the lives he touched.

Isaiah 40:31 - "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."