Ella L. Barry-Hunt

Ella Barry-Hunt was a beautiful gift to this world, born on July 27, 1956, in Kilmichael, Mississippi, to her beloved late parents, John Thompson Sr. and Della Lee Vaughn Thompson. She was born at Kilmichael Hospital and was the joy of her family from the very beginning.

Ella began her education at Kilmichael Elementary and later graduated from Kilmichael High School. Her Christian journey began early in life, and she became a member of Mt. Olive M.B. Church in Kilmichael, MS, where her love for God was first nurtured.

As a young adult, Ella married Albert Loggins and relocated to Killeen, Texas. Together, they welcomed their first daughter, Temekia (Darrin) Loggins, in 1976. After becoming a widow in 1981, Ella continued her journey with grace and resilience. She later met James Bowen, with whom she had a daughter, Fallon Loggins, in 1982. Her path then led her to Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1989 with Reginald Smith Sr., where she built a life, welcoming their daughter Raishunda (Bryant) Miller in 1990 and son Reginald “Reggie” Smith II in 1991.

Ella joined Messiah Missionary Baptist Church in the early 1990s and recommitted herself in 2003. She was a devoted choir member and remained a faithful servant of the Lord until her passing.

Throughout her life, Ella worked diligently and compassionately in a variety of roles, including as a warehouse associate at Autoliv, a supervisor at L.S. Ayres, a sales associate at Value Village, a boutique associate, and a home health caregiver. Her work ethic was only matched by her warmth and generosity.

After retiring from caregiving, Ella embraced life fully. She loved to travel, decorate, cook, and—above all—shop (if you know, you know!). She cherished her time with family and friends, especially her best friend Delores “Bee” Miller and her “Birthday Girls.” She also shared countless hours of laughter and conversation with her nephew Dennis “Boo” Turner.

Ella’s spirit truly radiated joy. She lit up every room with her vivacious personality and stylish flair—always the Diva. One thing she always said was, “it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it”. She lived to help others, loved deeply, and never wavered in her faith, often reminding others that, “God will make a way.”

In one of life’s full-circle moments, Ella reconnected with her childhood boyfriend Dan Hunt and found great joy in their renewed love. They married on May 31, 2025, and she was excited to begin their new life together in Memphis. Though she looked forward to this next chapter, her earthly journey concluded on July 5, 2025, at 12:59 p.m., when she peacefully entered eternal rest with the Lord.

Ella was preceded in death by her siblings Magnolia Eskiridge, Bill (Sammie Mae) Thompson, and James “Jack” (Lilly) Thompson, William (Rose) Thompson and Jamie Lee Thompson; Uncle: Willie Vaughn and her grandchildren Antoniece, Jayden, Tony, Aniyah and Adrian.

She leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory husband Dan Hunt, Sisters; Rachael Robinson, Della (Tim) Hearn, and Mary (Otis) Turner, Brothers: John Thompson Jr., Walter Lee Thompson, Joe (Ann) Thompson, Johnny (Eulandia) Thompson, and Edgar (Kawanda) Thompson. Children; Temekia (Darrin) Loggins, Fallon Loggins, Raishunda (Bryant) Miller, and Reginald (Reggie) Smith II, Bonus Sons: Carlos (Kimberly) Hunt, Cornell (Brandy) Hunt, and Fredrick (Shanest) Hunt. Grandchildren; Frederick "Nookum" Loggins, Amari Evans, Kennadee Carlisle, Anthony Haynes II, Keyarah Carlisle, Antonio "Tony" (Janiya) Haynes, Aanae "Naezy" Haynes, Kaniya "Sparkle" Carlisle, Janiyah Webb, Kaiden Miller, Aaiyla Smith, and Raeghan Smith. Great-Grandchildren; Aunisti Loggins, Jamir Jones, and Antonio "AJ" Haynes Jr.

Ella’s legacy of faith, love, kindness, and style will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will truly be missed, and life will never be the same.

A visitation for Ella will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM.