Ella Mae Williams

She was the 5th child born on February 23, 1933 to Thomas and Louella Williams in Center, Texas.

In 1951, she married Bennie McBride and moved to Dallas, Texas. They had four beautiful daughters before his untimely death in 1959, leaving her to raise them alone. Ella worked hard to support her family by bringing order and warmth to the homes of those that she served. One home in particular is Mrs. Gloria Nelson, who developed a personal friendship with Ella, which spanned over 40 years. They spent countless hours together, talking, reading the newspaper while enjoying a nice cup of coffee.

Ella accepted Christ at an early age while living in Center, Texas. After moving to Dallas, she joined New Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in West Dallas, where she and her girls served faithfully. Upon moving to Oak Cliff and later Duncanville, Ella joined Lighthouse Church of God in Christ, where she served faithfully until her transition, for 36 years. She served in many ministries, including the Mother’s Council, Golden Girls Choir, Children’s Nursery and the Prayer Band.

All who knew Ella knew how much she loved the Lord and her family. When she was not at church, she spent her time working crossword puzzles and perusing cookbooks, not that she needed any recipes for her great cooking. She wasn’t a huge television watcher, but hardly missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune and enjoyed the television ministry of Pastor Jimmy Swaggart. The same holds true for radio. One knew not to call during the radio ministries of Bishop Ray Campbell or her own pastor, Superintendent Michael Clerkly, Sr. She would answer the phone, but would have to call you back during those times.

Ella was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Debra McBride, parents, Thomas & Louella Williams, and two brothers, J.D. Lane (Imogene) and Prentice Williams. Six sisters preceded her in death: Mozell Suell (Bishop), Odell Williams, Bertha Williams, Willie Palmer, Winnie Morris, and Ruby Suell.

Those who remain to cherish her legacy are her three daughters: Carolyn Stennett, Sandra McGuire (Sammy, Sr.) and Esther Armstead (Clifford). She was affectionately called Mema by 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. The grandchildren are Shanterra, Melsha, Jr. (Pattie), Sametra, Rashad (Demetria), JaCoby (Michelle), Sammy, Jr., Brian, Shelton (Brittany), Kimberly, Jennifer (Randy) and Clifford, II (Jennifer).

She is survived by three sisters, Dee Rosenthal, Juanita McClelland, and Evelyn Jackson (Edward). Her six remaining brothers are Thomas Williams (Vera), Sammy Williams (Bobbie), Riley Williams (Michelle), Robert Williams, and Kenneth Williams and brother-in-law, Odie Suell. Additionally, Ella is survived by her lifelong friend, Mrs. Mable Moffett and a host of nieces and nephews.

Words cannot express what Ella meant to so many, not just her family. Many children and even adults, adopted her as their own over the years of her life. She was a stand-in mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, a great neighbor and a dear friend. Most of all, she was the one who would pray for you and made sure you knew about Jesus.