Ella Belle Pryor

Ella Belle Pryor of Houston, Texas, passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2011. She is preceded in death by her husband Frank and grandchild Thorne Dobbins. Ella was born on September 19, 1916, in Mount Pleasant, Texas. She grew up in Tyler, Texas, where she met and married Frank Brown Pryor of Paducah, Kentucky. They were joined together in marriage on June 17, 1937, for forty-five years, until Frank passed away in 1982.

In the early 1940's, they moved to Pasadena, Texas. In the early 1950's, the Pryor's began "Ella Pryor", a ladies boutique in one of the first suburban shopping centers in the Houston area. Ella was a natural fashion retailer and traveled to New York, California, France, and Italy buying for her stores. She was a woman of great taste and beauty and loved her chosen career. The only thing she loved more was her family to whom she gave unwavering love and support.

Ella was an avid traveler, sportswoman, and bridge player. In her early eighties, Ella began a new career, acting in commercials and films. Her credits include the film "Rushmore", commercials for the Rockets, Blue Bell, and many more.

She leaves behind her son Frank and his wife Boyce Pryor; daughter Judy and husband Darryl Otto; grandchildren, Melissa and husband Louis Mares, Nicole and husband Michael Harrison, Courtney and husband Justin McDaniel; great grandchildren, Meghann Peterson, Tristin and Taylor Anne McDaniel; as well as, a lifetime of friends and good works, and an example of great courage.

The family will gather for a private service and interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

In lieu of customary remembrance, the family respectfully requests that contributions in Ella's name be given to American Alzheimer's Association or the charity of one's choice.