Ila A. Ham

ILA ALIENE HAM (NEE ROUSE) was born on October 28, 1948, to the late Howard Lee and Juanita Rouse in Chadbourn, North Carolina. On February 27, 2025, she was called home to rest in eternal peace with her heavenly Father.

Ila was first married to Cleveland Morton Jr., and from that union, she was blessed with four children; Cleveland III, Maria, Anthony Sr., and Regina. She later, married Jerry Ham.

As a little girl, Ila journeyed with her sisters to Baltimore to reunite with her mother, a move that would shape the course of her life. Surrounded by love and family, she grew into a woman of strength and deep faith. She attended Baltimore City Public Schools and later earned a Bachelors degree in Social Work from Sojourner-Douglass College. With a heart devoted to service, she continued her education, earning a nouthetic counseling degree from the Gladd Institute, further equipping herself to uplift and guide those in need.

She devoted her life to Jesus, giving her heart to Christ at an early age and answering the call to ministry as an ordained minister. A faithful servant of the body of Christ, Ila dedicated her life to helping others and fulfilling her divine mission. Her passion for service extended beyond the church, shaping her career as she worked tirelessly to support children and vulnerable individuals. She retired from the State of Maryland Department of Social Services, leaving behind a lasting legacy of compassion, dedication, and unwavering faith.

Ila played a vital role in building several faith communities and was blessed to lead her own ministry, Victory International Ministries. She continued to serve faithfully, and at the time of her passing, she was a member of New Covenant Kingdom Worship Center under Apostle Dr. Ralph Long.

She was preceded in death by her beloved children, Cleveland III and Maria, as well as her brothers, Artartus Jenkins and Leonza Newsome Sr.

Ila leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory. She is survived by her devoted children, Regina, Anthony, and his wife Janice. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren; Anthony Jr., Tameka and her husband Vernard, Astarte and her wife Shari, Maurice, Larry, and Jamallia and her husband tyvon. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren-Jermaine, Jeremiah, Brittany, Jordan, William, Anthony IV, Jessiah, Demetrius, Kanae, Amanie, Triniti, Destiny, Emmanuel, and Joseph-who will carry forward her spirit of love and faith. Her family extends even futher with two great-great-grandchildren, Serenity and Chance.

Ila is also survived by her beloved sisters, Shirley and her husband William, Howvetta, Katrina, Janet and Sandra. In addition, she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends, all of whom will continue to honor her memory and the profound impact she made on their lives.

Ila's unwavering faith, kind spirit and dedication to her family and community will be deeply missed. Though she has departed this life, her love and wisdom will live on in the hearts of those she touched.