An angel touched the heart of Ellaraine Inita Hervey and gently called her home to be with the Lord on December 22, 2025, at Olathe Medical Center-The University of Kansas Health Center. Ellaraine was born on April 17, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, to the late James W. Williams and Luella D. Williams (Jackson, Rayburn).

Ellaraine accepted Christ at an early age at her grandfather’s church, Jackson Memorial Free Will Baptist Church, where her faith was nurtured and became the foundation of her life. A woman of deep and abiding faith, she remained a devoted member of Jackson Memorial throughout her life, faithfully serving on the Board of Trustees, singing in the choir, and giving generously of her time, love, and service to the church she cherished.

She was first united in marriage to John A. Green, Jr., and later to Fred A. Hervey. Both husbands preceded her in death.

Ellaraine was a proud graduate of Southeast High School, Class of 1969, and later attended Central Missouri State University. She was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she embraced the values of sisterhood, service, and scholarship. She also remained deeply connected to her community—serving on Southeast High School reunion committees, once serving as President of her Neighborhood Association, and offering notary services whenever she could, always looking for ways to help others.

Professionally, Ellaraine took great pride in her work. She was employed by Western Electric, the United States Post Office, and Bendix (Honeywell). She later dedicated 39 years of faithful service to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), where her strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment carried her through a long and accomplished career until her retirement.

Anyone who knew Ellaraine knew her sweet spirit and joyful sense of humor. She had a natural gift for making people smile—delivering funny sayings at just the right moment and lifting the spirits of everyone around her. She truly loved being with family and friends, because to Ellaraine, family was everything. In her spare time, she enjoyed bowling, dancing, and spending time with friends, finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Ellaraine was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Bonita Roby, whom she loved dearly; her cherished grandson, Teandre Gipson; and her beloved nephew, Wardell Williams, Jr. who will be forever remembered.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughters: Malissa Green, Artise Hervey, Sharaine Hervey, Cierica Hervey, Tierica Hervey, and Rayonica Hervey; her brother, Wardell Williams, Sr. her beloved grandchildren: Daryn Stewart, Jr., Ariah Cooper, Tariyah Valliant, Tavon Smith Jr., Marziyah Barrett, Arleah Hervey, Tayana Smith, Robert Woods Jr., Kelvin Starr, Jr. India Alston, and Isaac Alston Jr.; her great-grandson, Levi Babin; nephews Bryant Williams and Matthew Williams; nieces Marla Williams, Erica Roby, and Tenesha Williams; great-nephews and nieces Timothy Williams, Ronald LaGrone, Erica Ross, Jackson Roby, and Delsean Williams; her God-sister Sheila Urum-Eke; her longterm friends Felicia Givhan and Yvette Witherspoon; and a host of other relatives, church family, and dear friends.

Ellaraine Inita Hervey will be remembered for her radiant smile, giving heart, fun-loving spirit, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her presence brought beauty, joy, and laughter to all who knew her, and her spirit will continue to shine through the many lives she so lovingly touched.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Trinity Temple COGIC, 11922 Food Ln., Grandview, MO 64030. The visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m.; the service will follow at 11:00 a.m. The interment will take place at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131.