Ella Nell Mays

Born in Houston, Texas, on Aug. 19, 1950, Nell, as she lovingly preferred to be addressed, grew up in the beautiful community of Pleasantville, and throughout her life touched so many with her kindness and generosity. With education always a top priority in the Mays household, she graduated from Wheatley High School with honors and then attended North Texas State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1971.

Nell was a graceful follower of Christ through her membership with several churches, including St. Mark Baptist, Pure Light Missionary Baptist and First Union Baptist Church. Not long after she relocated to California's Bay Area in 1977— a place she would call home for more than 40 years — Nell became a member of Bethel AME Church of San Francisco and most recently First AME Church of Oakland. She took great pride in serving others, whether it was helping in the kitchen for Sunday events, working with the women’s ministries, singing in the choir or supporting the youth.

After a 30-year career in marketing with AT&T/SBC Corp-Pacific Bell, Nell retired in 2002. But she remained busy. She volunteered at the Oakland airport from 2003-2014, and had an extensive list of hobbies – traveling, cooking, reading, sewing. However, the one she loved most was quilting. Nell could turn almost anything into a sheer work of art. Whether it was a custom-designed quilt, shoe travel covers, table runners or oven mitts, you could see the love in every stitch. Nell was a longtime member of the African American Quilt Guild of Oakland, and she frequently shared her love of quilting with members of the North Oakland Senior Center.

Nell was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur C. Sr. and Ella Wese Mays; uncles Doris M. Mays, Odis D. Mays, Hubert L. Benson Sr., Maurice Benson, Garonzick Benson Sr., Willie Benson and Gene E. Benson Sr.; and aunts Frances McDaniel and Lizzie Faye Mays.

She leaves to cherish her memories a loving brother, Arthur C. Mays, Jr. and wife, Supatra; niece Miriam Mays Flowers and husband John, along with grand nephews and niece KJ, Kobe and Pilar. Additionally, Nell is survived by an uncle, Marshall Mayes, Jr.; aunts Vester Melancon, Margie Mays and Mary Benson; along with a goddaughter, Charis Kelly, and countless cousins, friends and neighbors.

A visitation for Ella will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Paradise Funeral Home, Inc, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088. The funeral service will immediately follow from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088. The committal service will follow Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 12:05 PM at Paradise Funeral Home & Cemetery North, 10401 W Montgomery Rd, Houston, TX 77088.