Celestine Isby Ingram

Elder Celestine Isby Ingram was born to Daniel and Bessie Isby on March 8th, 1951 in Memphis, TN. As the eldest of 7 children, she easily asserted herself as a leader. Her mother fondly referred to Celeste as “her backbone” indicating that she could be relied on no matter what task was assigned to her. After graduating from Southside Highschool, she would later go on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Conflict Management. Celeste was always known as someone ready and willing to work hard. She entered the workforce as a telephone operator for Bell South where she was employed for almost 12 years. Afterwards she worked in various capacities in Shelby County government for 12 years where she mainly served as a Senior Dispatcher for the Sheriff and Fire Depts. Never being one afraid of new challenges, Celeste moved to Atlanta where she started a new career track in Customer Service Management which culminated with her retirement from The Coca Cola Company. After completing her master’s degree in conflict management, she embarked upon yet another career path as an ombudsman. In February of 1984 Celeste heard the call of God to enter formal ministry. In the manner that was innate to her she promptly responded, “Here am I Lord send me.” She was soon licensed as an evangelist of the Church of God in Christ. During her time with the COGIC she served faithfully as District Elect Lady for the department of Evangelism and became an international evangelist for the COGIC. She went on to become an ordained member of the College of Elders at Changing a Generation Church in Atlanta, GA. Celeste was larger than life and had a way of making everyone around her feel special. She made a point of remembering to call on birthdays to deliver her signature contralto rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Celeste achieved her ultimate goal of going to her heavenly home July 27th 2019. She leaves to cherish her memory her son Kenneth; his wife Lillian whom she referred to as daughter; two grandsons- Christian and Dylan; her siblings - Evang. Dorothy Isby, Daniel Isby Sr. (Debbie), Melvin Isby (Stevelyn), Mary Joy, Gloria Thornton, and Yvette Archibald (Dwight); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.