Ella J Wilson, age 72, transitioned peacefully August 24, 2024, in Marianna, AR.

Born Dec 11, 1951, as Ella Jenice Thomas, to the late George Thomas and Annie Bell Simpson of Lexa, AR.  In the late 50's, Ella's mom, siblings along with her cousin Charyat, Uncle Anthony Sr. (Sara) and their children relocated to Memphis.  While there her mother opened a Boarding home taking care of aged people.  Early in life Ella trained herself to get up before daybreak to help her mom with the residents before she went to school.  In 1968 the family migrated back to Arkansas to open a Care Home that Ella, then called "Sister", had the liberty of naming, "Tri-State Convalescent Center & Nursing Home".  Alongside her mother, commonly known as Aunt Bell or to many Mrs. Surgeon and sister Mildred b.k.a. Brown Sugar, Ella took pride in being a Caretaker/Food Service Supervisor.

Ella graduated from Anna Strong High School in 1970 as class Vice President.

In the early eighties "Sister" remarried, mother of 7 children.  Around the same time she was obliged to help coordinate the establishment of Wilson's Boarding Home, where she took on the esteemed, role as co-owner/operator for many years.  Ella has always had a big heart and enjoyed helping people.

In the late 90's Ella had determined to better the lives of her children by transferring them to the "Big City."  They found themselves in Dallas, Tx. as she believed this would open them up to more better job opportunities.  She leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to help enrich many people lives.

Over the years people started calling her "My Love" which was the perfect name for her because she had a heart of gold.  Ella enjoyed being around people and spending time with family and friends.  She will be remembered by many as always being a cheerful giver.  She was an empathetic listener and had a delightful sense of humor.

In the 2010's, Ella enrolled in Bible College in Marianna, where she studied and received her Christian Missionary Training Certification from the School of the Scripture, under the tutelage of Dr Keith & Lady Donita Ross.  She was a devout member of the Women's Intercessor Prayer Warriors Team.

As the seasons of life changed, Ella was appointed Church Mother.  She and her children helped start a food pantry, distributed food boxes, cooked, and delivered hot meals-on-wheels to senior citizens.  She would then rest from her labor of love as an Evangelist Missionary serving at Revival Center Church of God In Christ in Rondo under the leadership of Pastor D.L. Sr. and Lady Dorothy Perkins.

She will most certainly be missed.

Ella is preceded in death by both her parents George and Annie, Uncle: Anthony (Sara) Simpson.  Aunt: Vennie Mackey.  Cousins: Charyat Brown and Wassie B. Miller.  Brother: Ulysses (Armise) Hammer.  Sister: Mildred (Freddie) Carter and Son: Jimmy White III.

The memories of Ella's life will forever be cherished by her brother Billy (Dorothy) Thomas.  Children: Ulysses White, Timothy (Vickie) White, Jessica Guyton, Joseph Gschwend, Venessa (Vernon) Middlebrooks, and Justin Walker.  God Children: Robert Grant, Angela Wilson, daughter-in-Law Phyllis White.  Nieces: Gwendolyn Hammer and Kerryeann Davis.  Nephews: Jimason Thomas, William Joseph Thomas and Langston Robins.  Many close cousins raised as siblings Roy Lynn, Troy, Anne, Patricia, Anthony, and Taurus Simpson.  26 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and a host of great nieces, great nephews, other relatives, and friends.