ELLA L. SCATES

A Brief Sketch of Life

Ms. Ella L. Scates was born on January 24, 1947, in Indiana. She peacefully departed this life on May 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of strength, love, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Ella was born and raised in Indiana and proudly graduated from Wood High School in 1965. She was known as a woman who always spoke the truth and stood firmly in her beliefs. Ella was strong-willed, determined, and resilient through every season of life. She had a bold personality, a sharp mind, and a sense of humor that could brighten any room.

Ella was an artist at heart. She found joy in painting, coloring, drawing, and working puzzles. She especially loved old western movies and could spend hours enjoying a good classic film. Her beautiful spirit and independent nature made her truly one of a kind.

Family meant everything to Ella. She was a loving and devoted mother who never left her children’s side and took great pride in helping raise her grandchildren. She shared a special and unbreakable bond with her sisters, Ann, Marie, and Berta. Through laughter, disagreements, and cherished memories, their love for one another never wavered.

Ella retired from Brylane after many years of faithful and dedicated service. She was also a devoted member of South Calvary Baptist Church, where she accepted Christ and faithfully carried her faith throughout her life.

Ella was preceded in death by her mother, Clara Mitchell; her father, Albert Barnes; her brother, Robert Franklin; and her sister, Alberta Barnes.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her sisters, Ann Huskie and Marie (Leodis) Moore; her son, Damon (Kristie) Coleman; her daughters, Tracy Scates, Rhonda Smith, and Kimberly Smith; ten beloved grandchildren, Erika, Ebony, Raamiah, Lamont, Tracy, Deonta, Kaela, Deon, KJ, Jasmine, and Dashai; along with 27 treasured great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will miss her dearly.

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