Idell accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. John Baptist Church in Van Vleck, Texas. Idell attended O.H. Herman High School in Van Vleck, Texas where she discovered her love of education and desire to serve others. After high school, Idell would go on to attend Prairie View A&M University where she developed a keen interest in business and typing while receiving her degree in Education. Upon graduation Idell pursued her passion for education which led her to Carrizo Springs, Texas where she met and married Booker T. Gilbert Jr. From there, they relocated and planted roots in Austin, Texas where they added three beautiful children to their union – Kristina, Kadrienne and Booker T. III (Trey).
While in Austin, Idell continued teaching at the elementary level spending time at Blanton and Sims Elementary. Idell then returned home to Van Vleck in 1986 to teach at her alma mater, but soon returned to Austin where she spent several years at Norman Elementary and Pearce Middle School. Idell concluded her teaching career elapsing over 34yrs, most of which were in the Austin Independent School District. Idell left a legacy within AISD being a trailblazer and organizer of Future Business Leaders of Tomorrow and Gear Up programs. But none bigger than the impact Idell left with the lifelong relationships with many teachers and students.
Idell retired from teaching in 2004 but continued her passion for service as she was a faithful and active member of her home church, St. Elmo Baptist Church. Idell served in many ministries and proudly fulfilled her title as Church Clerk.
On Tuesday, April 16, 2019, Idell Ellis answered the call from the Lord to come home. She was preceded in death by her father, Minnie Ellis, Sr., mother, Orelia Ellis; brothers, U.L. Ellis, Minnie Ellis, Jr., Leroy Ellis and Otis Ellis, and sister Vera Wright.
She leaves to cherish her memories: Her daughters Kristina (Domonic) of Dale Tx, Kadrienne (Mark) of Hutto Tx, and son Booker T. III (Trey) (Natalie) of Round Rock Tx. And two sisters, Dorothy Allen of Houston Tx, and Ruby Southall (Frank) of Van Vleck, Tx. Seven grandchildren, Tayjon, Jalen, Dylan, Mark Jr, Kaden, Marley and Greyson and a host of family and friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 25, 2019 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 26, 2019 at St. John Regular Baptist Association Tabernacle.
Please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com to share online condolences and fond memories you have of Idell with her family.
