Ellason Castiglione

Ellason Hill Castiglione, 88, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Born on September 15, 1936, in Dyess, Arkansas, Ellason lived a life marked by unwavering faith, deep compassion, and a profound commitment to healing and ministry.

A devoted servant of Christ, Ellason dedicated more than four decades to her God-given calling, including the establishment of Clean Heart Ministries, Inc., a non-profit inner-healing ministry founded in 1999. As an ordained minister with Agape Church in Little Rock, she poured her heart into counseling and healing God’s people through His love. Her ministry was a divine mission—one that brought hope and restoration to countless lives. Through teaching, writing, speaking engagements, and the creation of her written program Where Eagles Fly, Ellason courageously walked out her calling with grace and conviction.

Her love for Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life, inspiring everyone around her and shaping every aspect of her ministry. She was known for offering wisdom and understanding to the brokenhearted, the misunderstood, and the oppressed. Her nurturing spirit touched people from all walks of life, and her contagious laugh and quick wit brought joy and lightheartedness wherever she went. Ellason had a rare gift for making others feel seen, valued, and truly loved.

In addition to her ministry work, Ellason had a phenomenal singing voice and a deep love for gospel music. Her vocal talent earned her a recording contract with RCA, and five of her songs went on to reach the Top 20 charts. In 1983, she recorded and released a gospel album titled Follow Me, a heartfelt expression of her faith through song. In her younger years, she also loved riding horses—a pastime that reflected both her free spirit and her strength. Above all, she treasured time with her family, and her heart was happiest when she was surrounded by her loved ones.

Ellason is survived by her son, Sammy White, and his wife, Terri White; grandchildren Justin White and Amber White; great-grandchildren Halle Walthall (Ian), Caeleb George (Cloe), Natalee White, Jude White, and Jerron Stone; sister Nancy Roseberry (Bill); nieces Teresa Roseberry and Shawn Hallman; nephews Andre Webb and Todd Roseberry; great-nephew Troy Van Cleave; and great-nieces Jennifer Van Cleave and Jessica Van Cleave.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ella Hill; father, Roland Hill; and brothers Buddy Gene Hill, Billy Hill, and Gene Hill.

Her legacy is one of righteousness, leadership, humor, resilience, and boundless love. She leaves behind a powerful example of what it means to live with purpose—to walk boldly in faith while lifting others along the way. She taught us all how to pick up our cross and “Follow Him.”

May Ellason’s memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire all who were touched by her extraordinary life.

Visitation will be held on August 14, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Smith Family Funeral Homes, 8801 Knoedl Ct.Funeral, Little Rock.  Service will be held on August 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Agape Church, 701 Napa Valley Drive in Little Rock.

Burial will follow at Bethlehem (Salem) Cemetery in Lonoke, Arkansas, at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Clean Heart Ministries in honor of Ellason’s life and ministry.

Donations are tax-deductible (EIN: 71-0848430) and can be made online at

https://engage.suran.com/cleanheartministries/s/give/new-gift