Ella Mae Rollins

Ella Mae Davis Rollins was born to the late Lilly Mae and George Davis in Brenham, Washington County, Texas. Ella was the granddaughter of the late Emma and Primus Edison of Brenham, Texas. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 50 years, Robert Earl Rollins.

Ella attended high school in Port Arthur, Texas. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tennessee State University, a Masters Degree from Prairie View A&M University, and later her Doctorate in Cosmetology from the National Institute of Cosmetology.

Ella became a Christian in her teenage years while growing up in Port Arthur, Texas. After moving to Dallas in the early 1960’s, Ella United with the St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the late Rev. E.C. Estelle and remained an active member until her death.

Ella sang in the Sanctuary Choir at St John, served as General Superintendent of the Sunday School, as a member of the Trustee Board, and on the Branch Roland Scholarship Committee. Ella Mae was gifted in public speaking and enjoyed expressing that gift at church and in the community.

Ella Mae was a visionary and strong proponent of education for young people. She was an educator and taught many years at Skyline and Lincoln High Schools pouring into the lives of her students. After retiring early from DISD, Ella founded the Contessa Rol Beauty College , a cosmetology school fully licensed by the State of Texas. Ella Mae provided leadership, training, and guidance to hundreds of students in the field of cosmetology. Her dedication and love for young people was driven by her strong faith in God and good works.

Ella’s community involvement was exhibited in her membership with the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Organization and the annual Maurine F. Bailey Cultural Foundation.

Ella is survived by family caregivers Dr. Dan & Maria Jones of Dallas, loving and caring cousins that live in Dallas, Houston, Brenham, and the Washington D.C area, her special godchildren Patti & Paul Cooper, Belinda & Ben Adam’s and stepson Dejuan Rollins

The family extends special gratitude to Edith Scott, RN (Talco House), Veronica Anderson, Sandra Rowden, and Patti Cooper for your faithful support.