Charon Ellis

Charon Theresa Ellis (Grady) was born on April 28, 1960, in Washington, D.C., to Walter Grady II and Ruth Grady (Chambers), both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her siblings: Jamil Abul-Hakeem, Veronica Grady, and Baby Grady.

Charon was educated in the District of Columbia’s Catholic school system. She went on to earn a Dual Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Psychology from Ohio State University. She later received a Master’s Degree in Urban Policy and Planning from the University of the District of Columbia and a Master of Social Work from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Deeply committed to advancing her knowledge and professional skills, she also completed Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Training in Columbia, Maryland, and became a Certified Family Development Credentialing (FDC) Trainer, teaching and mentoring practitioners across the city. Charon was a proud member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness(NAMI), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society.

In addition to her academic and professional accomplishments, Charon graduated from the Barbizon Modeling and Acting School and modeled in several Washington, D.C. Fashion Week shows throughout the 1980s. Her graceful presence, natural beauty, confidence, and poise on the runway reflected the elegance and assurance she carried throughout her life.

Since January 2001, Charon faithfully served as the Executive Director of North Capitol Collaborative, Inc. (NCCI). Her work touched countless lives as she poured her heart into building programs, uplifting families, and inspiring her community to recognize their strength, resilience, and worth. She believed in empowering people to find their voice and their power, and she did so every day with grace, determination, and unwavering love.

Charon often asked her team, “What did you learn?”—a question that reflected her belief in growth, reflection, and personal accountability. She had the rare gift of seeing the best in others, even when they could not yet see it themselves.

She was a leader of conviction and compassion, a visionary who turned challenges into opportunities, and an advocate who always fought for what was right.

A proud Southeast D.C. native and devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, Charon brought authenticity, humor, and joy into every room. She was generous without hesitation—if she loved you, she made sure you felt it. When Charon said, “I got you,” she meant it. Her spirit was bold and unshakeable, her laughter unforgettable, especially that tongue-out, one-leg-up dance that everyone will forever cherish.

Charon was a true Taurus: strong, faith-driven, loyal, passionate, and deeply rooted in who she was. She was not only a mother to her family but a mother to her community. If you were blessed to call her “Ma,” then you were loved for life. She loved music, she loved to dance, and she carried a joy that lit up any space she entered. Charon left her mark in every room—whether it was her height, her natural beauty, her voice, her style, or her smile—you never forgot her presence. She walked with her head held high, shoulders back, and confidence that only a few are blessed to possess.

Charon’s strength and love live on through her beloved children: Dr. Anthony J. Cade II(Anne Cade) and Aleesha V. Cade, and her bonus daughters, Antoinette Marie Cade and Le’ Tena C. Chambers. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Cordell Cade, Ian Harvey, Marcellus Chambers, Justin Chambers, Jordan Chambers, Anthony J. Cade III, Peter Cade, King Cade, Kimberly A. Chambers, and Makaia Turkes. They were her heart and her joy, and she loved them profoundly.

Her family, her closest friends, her professional colleagues, and the many lives she touched will carry her legacy forward—a legacy of love, resilience, wisdom, and faith. She was incomparable, irreplaceable, and deeply loved.

Well done, thy good and faithful servant. Your work here is complete, and your impact lives on forever.