W.T. Shumake & Daughters

October 19, 1931 - January 12, 2026

Ella Jean (Soules) Williams, age 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on January 12, 2026 in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Visitation 10-11am Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Community Missionary Baptist Church 4909 E. Indian Trail. Funeral to follow at 11am. Burial Calvary Cemetery 1600 Newburg Road, Louisville, Kentucky.

Ella Jean Soules Williams was born on October 19, 1931, in Scottsville, Kentucky, to the late Levi Emmanuel Soules and Beatrice (Williams) Soules. Ella was united in marriage to Alonzo R. Williams on June 16, 1956. He preceded her in death on October 17, 2012. She was also preceded in death by her siblings: Simon Soules, John Soules, Charles Soules, Willie Hammock, Ida Stephens, and Betty Soules; and by her beloved daughters, Pamela Jean Cofer (Donald Jones), Penny Renee Mansfield (Wanda Tinsley), and Paula Carol (Michael) Patterson.

Ella received her education at State Street High School, graduating with the Class of 1950. Throughout her life, Ella was known for her strong work ethic. Determined to serve others, she traveled 23 hours by train to pursue her calling. She attended Piedmont School of Nursing in Crewe, Virginia, where she trained as a Tuberculosis nurse. She was a woman of many passions and talents.

She showcased her work ethic while employed as a maid with Levi Brothers in Louisville, Kentucky, as an elevator operator at Stewart Dry Goods, and in the various positions she held at Paramount Pickle and Mother’s Cookie. She dedicated 23 years of service on the assembly line at General Electric, from 1970 until her retirement in 1993. Even after retiring, her heart for service continued as she volunteered in 1995 at the Home of the Innocents in Louisville, Kentucky, working in the Green Unit caring for children from newborn to six years old.

Faith in God was central to Ella’s life. She joined First Baptist Church of Scottsville, Kentucky, at the age of 17 and later fellowshipped with Fifth Street Baptist Church of Louisville, Kentucky. While a member at Community Missionary Baptist Church, she served in the kitchen, volunteered for Vacation Bible School, and sang in the Women’s Day Choir. In 2006, after relocating to Georgia she joined Friendship Baptist Church of Duluth, Georgia.

Once she moved to Georgia, Ella was dedicated to the care of her family. She spent many days and hours caring for her husband when he was a resident at Life Care Center of Lawrenceville, where she also volunteered. She was also pivotal and instrumental in raising her grandchildren William and Michal, getting them on the school bus and taking them to extracurricular activities.

Ella leaves to cherish her memory and legacy: sister, Nancy Miller; daughter-niece, Leslie Tucker; grandchildren: Alonzo Mansfield, Aliaka Daffron, Robert Cofer Sr., Marion Cofer III, William (Keniesha) Patterson, and Michal Patterson; honorary grandchildren: Jerry Cofer and Daphne Gaines; many great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchild. She is lovingly remembered by a circle of bonus children, bonus grandchildren and three honorary great-godchildren that all adored their “Granny Ella.” She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.

Ella Jean Williams will be remembered for her quiet strength, dedication to family, service to others, and unwavering faith.