Ellen Marie Osborne

Ellen Marie Osborne was born on May 26, 1928 to the late Moses and Carrie Bell in Newbern, North Carolina. She was educated Newbern, North Carolina public school system. Ellen married James Myles shortly after graduating from high school and relocated to the Washing, DC area. Their union produced two sons, James, Jr. of Bryans Road, MD and Chester Allen of Kansas City, Kansas.

Ellen married Willie Lee Osborne on September 19, 1953 and they remained married until his death in 2010. Though their union didn’t produce any children, Ellen was instrumental in raising Willie Lee’s children from a previous marriage. The couple also fostered five sons.

Always a student seeking knowledge, Ellen attended The University of District of Columbia and was certified as a milliner and seamstress skills she used to support herself and her family. She also worked for a time cleaning houses, as well as working in materials management at Alexandria Hospital.

A woman of faith from an early age, Ellen served as a deaconess and an usher at Southern Baptist Church and also at New Samaritan Baptist Church in Washington, DC.Ellen was also a member of The Order of the Eastern Star, Rebecca Chapter 8, under Keystone Grand Chapter, Washington, DC. She served as the chapter treasurer for eight years.

She leaves to cherish her sons James, Jr. (Angeline) and Chester; three grandchildren Michelle, Lisa and Logan; two great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.