Helen Ely

Helen "Matha Ella" Ely (Bell) died peacefully with her son Tabaka and daughter LyTiffany at her bedside National Church Residence on Mar 30, 2016 at the age of 86.

Mrs. Ely is survived by her children Annie Durham -Mobile, AL, Min. Sharon (Terry) Williams, Linda Chapman, Johnny (Yvette) Chapman, Sherry Boyd, Robert (Shaboo) Boyd, Gregory Boyd, Tabaka Osonduagwuike and LyTiffany (Timothy) Jennings-Atlanta, GA, Ron Ely, Zelda (Jerry) Edwards and Vernon Ely all of Mobile, AL, 4 Foster daughters Candice, Brandy, Raven and Angie Cunningham. Sisters Vera Reed and Gloria (Arthur "Bo") Ely, Sisters in law Louise Bell and Qwinita Bell. 18 Grand children, 29 Great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She is preceded in death by her late husband July Ely, father Samuel Bell, mother Rebecca Johnson-Bell, stepmother Ada Bell. Brothers, Robert King Jr, Major File, Archie (Betty) Bell, Willie Bell, Bobby Lee Bell. Sisters, Maggie Bell, Margarite (CB) Anderson, Maple ( Calvin) Ruggs, sister in laws Nellie Jean ( Bill) Walker, and Mattie Lou Phillips.

Helen "Matha Ella" Ely (Bell) was born on July 19, 1929 in Allen, AL to Samuel & Rebecca Johnson-Bell. She grew up in the segregation time span, with a sixth grade education. She met July Ely in 1974 and moved to OH 1975. After moving to OH, Helen held several occupations working for Engols Shipyard as a Master Welder in Pasgoula, MS, Special nanny to Governor George & Governor Lorene Wallace of Alabama relocated to Ohio worked at State of Ohio Psychiatric hospital as Psychiatric aide, Private Duty Nurse for Ms. Coch, Foster Parent for Summit County Children's Board and last employer Mature Serices of Akron as a Cook retiring 2000. Her children remember her as a devoted, caring, confident, strong and firm mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals and stood by their sides not matter what challenges they faced.

Helen was accomplished at cooking and gardening when she lived alone often when you visited she had baked Sweet potatoes in the oven with a beautiful aroma or pot of Collard greens and Sweet bread and maybe a fresh baked Banana pudding. She loved traveling, shopping, a phenomenal dresser hats, clothes, shoes and purses plus jewelry. She was a generous individual who loved to help family and people in her Community. She was lived in Mobile Ala over 40 years and spent her last 40 years in Akron. She was passionate about being able to vote she was involved in the Civil Rights Movement and resided next door to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She was a charter member New Life Missionary Baptist Church and was on the Mother's board and in 2004 she became a dedicated member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church where she serve on the Kitchen committee and Mother's Board and she was under Watch Care at Mt. Olive Baptist Church for a short time.

A funeral is scheduled for Sat April 9, 2016 at 12:00 PM Akron Apostolic Temple 599 Noble Ave, Akron, OH 44320, with a reception to follow at New Life Missionary Baptist Church  2321 17th St NW, (Kenmore area) Akron, OH 44314. Rev Dr Horace L Drake, Pastor Good Shepherd Baptist Church will officiate and Rev. Douglas Price, Pastor Mt. Nebo Baptist Church will eulogize the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Helen's life.
In lieu of flowers, please send financial donations to Donovan & Bagnoli Funeral Home at 17 Southwest Ave, Tallmadge, OH 44278. Condolences can be sent to 802 Greenwood Ave, Akron, OH. The family would like to thank National Church Residence & Hospice staff caregivers Jackie, Molly, Tim, Summa hospital, SarahCare Day Care, Answer Care Home Healthcare and staff Keirya and special friend Trina Dunson for their efforts/care/dedication.