Patrice Michelle (Ellis) Tolbert Moore Obituary
Patrice Michelle Ellis was born on September 6, 1972, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Brenda Ellis (later Brown) and Gene Brown. A tiny fighter from birth, her life became a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and love.
Patrice was educated in the Birmingham City Schools, graduating from Ensley Magnet High School in 1990. Her passion for music and service emerged early, and after furthering her education at Virginia College, she began a lifelong career as a caregiver. Whether working in hospitals or providing in-home care, Patrice gave her heart to helping others, especially those in their final days.
Her life was marked by courage—openly overcoming challenges such as addiction, abuse, depression, and her greatest battle: HIV. Patrice never hid her struggles; instead, she used them to uplift others, becoming a powerful voice and speaker across the Southeast. Her faith anchored her, and in December 2024, she was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel at Your Turning Point Ministries. She preached her first sermon in April 2025 and embraced her calling with passion and purpose.
Patrice was known for her warmth, wit, and authenticity. To know her was to be inspired by her strength and touched by her joy. Above all, she cherished her role as wife to Ray Moore and mother to her beloved daughters, Ashella, MiLeana, and Trinity.
She transitioned peacefully on June 1, 2025. She is reunited in heaven with her parents, grandmother Lillie Mae Rice, brother Robert, and many cherished family and friends.
She leaves behind her husband Ray; daughters Ashella, MiLeana, and Trinity; sister Deidra (Byron) Thomas; a host of aunts, uncles, extended family, lifelong friends, ministry family, and all who were blessed to know her.
Patrice’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, bold testimony, and deep, abiding love. She will be missed but never forgotten.
May she rest in eternal peace.
Visitation was held on Friday, June 13th 2025 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Brighton Funeral Services (4400 9th Avenue North, Bessemer, Alabama 35020). A celebration of life was held on Saturday, June 14th 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Greater Grace Missionary (1945 Center Point Parkway, Birmingham, Alabama 35215).
